Nice article by Chiu et al. that shows the potential application of CRISPR-Cas-Based Technology in the clinic.

Take-home message Guide RNA molecules are constructed to target specific pathogens or tumor cells. After collection of clinical samples in a point-of-care setting, the CAS12a- or CAS13-based assay can be performed directly from the sample in under 2 hr, without the need for a separate DNA or RNA extraction step. Cas12a protein targets dsDNA, while Cas13 targets RNA. After activation of the Cas12a or Cas13 protein, indiscriminate cleavage of fluorescent ssDNA probes for Cas12a or ssRNA probes for Cas13 produces a detectable signal.

Importance The CRISPR-Cas13 (SHERLOCK)-based and CRISPR-Cas12a (DETECTR)-based assays described in these papers carry several advantages over traditional microbiological diagnostics such as nucleic acid amplification testing (e.g., PCR) or antigen-based testing (e.g., immunostrips): single step, no need of dedicated instrument, point-of-care test.