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COVID-19 has created chaos worldwide and its new variants are continuously spreading across the borders. The current diagnostic approach for COVID-19 is mainly focused on the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), a golden standard molecular technique. This rRT-PCR technique requires sophisticated laboratory equipment that is often located at the central laboratory. Therefore, the time required to obtain the results can be up to 2 days because of time consumed in collecting samples, packing (storage), shipment of the clinical specimens under controlled temperature, multi-step sample preparation protocols, and laboratory testing. In this scenario, a point-of-care (PoC) device is an alternative robust solution that is crucial and urgently needed. PoC testing is rapid, robust, and cost-efficient that can be used on-site and in the field with minimal training. Rapid diagnostics will have significant impact on the early detection of infectious diseases and in controlling an outbreak (Fig. 1). Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid amplification technique. LAMP amplifies DNA with high specificity, efficiency, and rapidity under isothermal conditions at a constant temperature of 65 °C

 

Figure 1 Impact of rapid diagnostic technique in controlling and preventing an outbreak

 

Table 1 Comparison of key features of PCR and LAMP (Nguyen et al.)

PCR

LAMP

Thermal cycling (Multiple heating and cooling cycle; hence, bulky and cumbersome).

Isothermal and continuous amplification (Smaller, simpler, hence portable).

Always requires sample concentration and purification (Time-consuming).

LAMP assay offers simplified sample preparation steps and one-step detection.

Multi-step complicated protocols that requires a skilled technician.

Simplified and faster protocols that require minimal training.

Inhibitors hinder the reaction.

Tolerate inhibitors and more stable.

Established technique.

Emerging and highly potential novel technology

Therefore, we believe, LAMP could be a potential candidate for the point-of-care device application in the detection of COVID-19.

References:

  1. Nguyen et al. Micromachines 2020, 11(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11030306
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). Outbreak Investigation. https://www.who.int/hac/techguidance/training/outbreak%20investigation_en.pdf