I was on a presentation for the CDC on new and upcoming technologies related to quickly detecting COVID 19.  This new technology called Plasmonic PCR uses gold nanoparticles (gold nanorods) as nanoheaters in the PCR reaction mixture to decrease the required PCR cycle times to less than a few seconds.  It can be used in LAMP, RT-PCR and conventional PCR modes.  The technology is described as being safer since samples can be prepared without handling, and that conventional fluorophores are no longer needed for quantitation.  The instrument is lightweight and can run on batteries since the bulky thermal heaters are no longer necessary.  They have published in multiple journals and are looking for partners to accelerate production.  Lets hope this new instrument can find its way to the point of care quickly.