OBJECTIVE: To develop a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) assay for direct detection of 
unamplified HURP RNA in urine.
DESIGN AND METHODS: HURP RNA was extracted from urine samples (50 bladder 
carcinoma patients, 25 benign bladder lesions, and 25 controls) and further 
purified using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), functionalized with HURP 
RNA-specific oligonucleotides, and then detected by RT-PCR or gold 
nanoparticles.
RESULTS: The developed HURP RNA AuNP assay has a sensitivity and a specificity 
of 88.5% and 94%, respectively, and a detection limit of 2.4 nmol/L. The 
concordance between the HURP AuNP assay with RT-PCR after RNA purification using 
functionalized MNPs was 97%.
CONCLUSIONS: The developed colorimetric HURP RNA AuNP assay is sensitive, 
simple, and can aid noninvasive diagnosis of bladder cancer.