# Design and application of a point-of-care testing system for triple detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B

## TL;DR

A smartphone-based system was developed to quickly detect three respiratory viruses—SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B—in about 30 minutes.

## Contribution

A new portable, smartphone-integrated POCT system for triple detection of respiratory viruses is introduced.

## Key findings

- The system can detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B in a single-tube reaction within 30 minutes.
- The system's performance matches fluorescent quantitative PCR testing in sensitivity, specificity, and stability.
- The device is suitable for rapid on-site diagnosis and pathogen screening at locations like airports.

## Abstract

To mitigate the continued impact of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B viruses on human health, a smartphone-based point-of-care testing (POCT) system was designed to detect respiratory pathogens through a nucleic acid test. This compact, light-weight, highly automated, and universal system enables the differential diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B in approximately 30 min in a single-tube reaction. Numerous hospitals and disease control and prevention center assessed the triple POCT system’s detection threshold, sensitivity, specificity, and stability, and have concluded that all the assessments were comparable to those of fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing. The triple POCT system is suitable as an onsite rapid-diagnosis device, as well as for pathogen screening at airports and customs.