Researchers developed a CRISPR-Cas12-based lateral flow assay for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 from respiratory swab RNA extracts. The assay, called DETECTR, offers a visual and faster alternative to the US CDC's real-time RT-PCR method, with 95% positive predictive agreement and 100% negative predictive agreement. The assay uses RT-LAMP for RNA amplification and Cas12 for detection of predefined coronavirus sequences. It was validated using clinical samples from patients with COVID-19 and other viral infections, showing high specificity and sensitivity. The DETECTR assay can be completed in 30-40 minutes and is suitable for point-of-care testing. It uses commercially available reagents and routine protocols, making it more accessible than traditional qRT-PCR methods. The assay was tested on 11 respiratory swab samples, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 9 of 11 samples without cross-reactivity with other viruses. The assay showed high concordance with fluorescence-based readouts and demonstrated comparable accuracy to qRT-PCR. The study highlights the potential of CRISPR-Cas12 technology for rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic testing of emerging viral threats. The method is suitable for use in various settings, including airports and clinics, and could be adapted for other viruses. The study also emphasizes the need for rapid diagnostic tests in response to the ongoing global pandemic and the importance of developing technologies that can quickly mobilize to diagnose infections from emerging zoonotic viruses. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. The study was conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions and involved a team of researchers from various disciplines. The results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR-Cas12-based assays for rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. The study provides a framework for the development of similar assays for other viral pathogens. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal and is available for further study and application.Researchers developed a CRISPR-Cas12-based lateral flow assay for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 from respiratory swab RNA extracts. The assay, called DETECTR, offers a visual and faster alternative to the US CDC's real-time RT-PCR method, with 95% positive predictive agreement and 100% negative predictive agreement. The assay uses RT-LAMP for RNA amplification and Cas12 for detection of predefined coronavirus sequences. It was validated using clinical samples from patients with COVID-19 and other viral infections, showing high specificity and sensitivity. The DETECTR assay can be completed in 30-40 minutes and is suitable for point-of-care testing. It uses commercially available reagents and routine protocols, making it more accessible than traditional qRT-PCR methods. The assay was tested on 11 respiratory swab samples, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 9 of 11 samples without cross-reactivity with other viruses. The assay showed high concordance with fluorescence-based readouts and demonstrated comparable accuracy to qRT-PCR. The study highlights the potential of CRISPR-Cas12 technology for rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic testing of emerging viral threats. The method is suitable for use in various settings, including airports and clinics, and could be adapted for other viruses. The study also emphasizes the need for rapid diagnostic tests in response to the ongoing global pandemic and the importance of developing technologies that can quickly mobilize to diagnose infections from emerging zoonotic viruses. The research was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. The study was conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions and involved a team of researchers from various disciplines. The results demonstrate the potential of CRISPR-Cas12-based assays for rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. The study provides a framework for the development of similar assays for other viral pathogens. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal and is available for further study and application.