Compositions, devices and methods for an improved rapid point-of-use diagnostic assay

A kit for the rapid extraction of nucleic acids comprising:

• a) a swab configured to contain a sample obtained from a material-of-interest;
• b) a magnetic probe;
• c) a plurality of tubes, comprising:
• i) a first tube containing lysis buffer and a plurality of magnetic beads, wherein the lysis buffer is configured to release nucleic acids from microbes on the swab, wherein the magnetic beads are configured to bind to the magnetic probe, and wherein the magnetic beads are configured to bind the nucleic acids;
• ii) one or more wash tubes each containing a wash buffer;
• iii) a third empty tube;
• v) a fourth tube containing an elution buffer configured to solvate the nucleic acids;
• and
• d) a magnetic belt configured to removably encircle any of the plurality of tubes, wherein the magnetic belt is configured to temporarily capture the magnetic beads and the magnetic probe on the sides of the tube which it encircles.