Loop mediated isothermal AMPlification (#LAMP) technology is 20 years old but have found importance in molecular diagnostics recently. LAMP is being regarded as the best Point-of-care (POC) test for COVID-19 at the moment due to its reliability, specificity and quick Turnaround Time (TAT). It uses 4-6 primer sets, #BstDNAPolymerase and a DNA dye (Syto-9, SYBR Green I etc.) apart from regular PCR reagents like dNTPs and Reaction buffer, result analysis being colorimetric in nature.
Fig: Stunning burst of colors indicate the amount of PCR products generated in the tubes, making life around lab cheerful (!) #LAMPPCR #fluorescence #LAMPresults #COVID19
Why LAMP over Conventional PCR?
Table: Reasons why we need to 'light' this LAMP, #ConventionalPCRvsLAMP #LAMP
Protocol
There are currently ~4 reports available of development of LAMP assay to detect #Coronavirus. Also a large number of reports in using LAMP to detect other pathogenic diseases has proved its mettle as an emerging approach. The molecular mechanism of the #DNA amplification primarily revolves around formation of dumbbell-shaped stem-loop DNA structure and continuous looping with the help of loop primers. There are very well-written description and visuals of the whole mechanism available over the internet for ready reference.
Although the mechanism and primer designing is a bit complex, the protocol is very simple even for a Theoretical Physicist .(really?...) It takes 40 minutes to complete the reaction, if done by an experienced #technician the testing 1 sample at a time would take ~1 hour, which is really fast compared to the current gold standard (#RTqPCR). Yes, you just need to put the sample #RNA in the tube with reagents and place it in a water bath, simple right?
Why LAMP for COVID-19?
1. The LAMP assay is useful in detecting COVID-19 specifically and quickly without the use of expensive machines, proving its ideal candidacy in the current scenario.
2. With Airports and other channels of trans-border movement being primary point-of-care testing facilities at the moment, setting up LAMP facilities will be easy and effective.
Hope our health authorities reach out to light these 'LAMPs'!
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