LAMP-based molecular diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2

Being able to quickly and efficiently determine whether someone is infected with the SARS CoV-2 Coronavirus is of great importance to prevent further spread of the infection. In the current approach, there are sensitive methods (including qPCR) available that are relatively slow (18-30 hours), and fast methods that are relatively insensitive. With an insensitive test, people can test negative who are still infected; A slow test result can lead to people being in quarantine for an unnecessarily long time, but it also increases the risk of infection when people do not strictly adhere to the quarantine measures. This project worked on an alternative RT-LAMP test method that is both fast and sensitive. The test method can be used at larger test locations by means of a 'pop-up lab'. Although the RT-LAMP test can generate a test result within 45 minutes, under practical conditions it has been shown that the test result can be delivered within two hours. To ensure that the new test method is less sensitive to shortages in reagents and laboratory supplies, a production method has been set up for critical reagents.