Colorimetric Reverse Transcription-Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) in rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2

Diagnosis by RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcription–Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) is relatively simple, fast and requires inexpensive equipment. The result is visualized with the naked eye, and therefore, has the potential to become popular among molecular tests for viral detection. This work aimed to test and validate different RT-LAMP protocols for diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2. To this end, we used 20 samples that had been tested at the Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, with results ranging from “detected to undetected”. The colorimetric RT-LAMP results were compatible with those obtained by RT-PCR in 95% of the cases. The results show good sensitivity and fidelity of the test. Its applicability detecting SARS-CoV-2 can be important for massive testing.