BMC Infectious Diseases (Aug 2022)

Clinical testing on SARS-CoV-2 swab samples using reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)

  • Meng Yee Lai,
  • Fatma Diyana Mohd Bukhari,
  • Nur Zulaikha Zulkefli,
  • Ilyiana Ismail,
  • Nur Izati Mustapa,
  • Tuan Suhaila Tuan Soh,
  • Afifah Haji Hassan,
  • Kalaiarasu M. Peariasamy,
  • Yee Leng Lee,
  • Jeyanthi Suppiah,
  • Ravindran Thayan,
  • Mohd Khairi Mat Isa,
  • Nur Zafirah Abdul Wahid,
  • Yee Ling Lau

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-022-07684-w
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 1
pp. 1 – 5

Abstract

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Abstract Background High cost of commercial RNA extraction kits limits the testing efficiency of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we developed a simple nucleic acid extraction method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 directly from nasopharyngeal swab samples. Methods A pH sensitive dye was used as the end point detection method. The obvious colour changes between positive and negative reactions eliminates the need of other equipment. Results Clinical testing using 260 samples showed 92.7% sensitivity (95% CI 87.3–96.3%) and 93.6% specificity (95% CI 87.3–97.4%) of RT-LAMP. Conclusions The simple RNA extraction method minimizes the need for any extensive laboratory set-up. We suggest combining this simple nucleic acid extraction method and RT-LAMP technology as the point-of care diagnostic tool.

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