The SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Colorimetric LAMP Assay was carried out using the indicated controls and either positive sample (human total RNA + synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA) or negative sample (human total RNA alone). Valid results for Non-Template Control (NTC, pink), Positive Control (PC, yellow) and Internal Control (IC, yellow) are shown. In the positive test sample, isothermal amplification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA leads to a color change from pink to yellow.
New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Mass, recently launched the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Colorimetric LAMP Assay Kit, a research use only (RUO) product that can be used for the detection of novel coronavirus RNA. The kit serves as a simple alternative to RT-qPCR and enables visual detection of amplification of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in just 30 minutes.
The kit utilizes loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect specific segments of the viral genome. This system provides a clear visual detection of amplification, based on the generation of protons and the subsequent drop in pH that occurs from the extensive DNA polymerase activity in a LAMP reaction. The decrease in pH produces a color change, with pink indicating a negative result and yellow indicating a positive result.
“RT-qPCR, the predominant nucleic acid amplification technology, requires a laboratory with sophisticated equipment, and can take hours to produce a readout,” says Steven Chiu, product marketing manager, DNA amplification at New England Biolabs. “With the SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Colorimetric LAMP Assay Kit, all you need is a simple heat source and 30 minutes to visually detect amplification of SARS CoV-2 RNA. This assay thus has the potential to be very beneficial in a low-resource or point-of-care setting.”
For more information, visit New England Biolabs.
