rt-LAMP Assay:
Researchers from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, have successfully developed a novel, indigenous, real-time LAMP (rt-LAMP) assay for the early detection of Tuberculosis (TB).
- The rt-LAMP assay is a molecular diagnostic tool similar to GeneXpert and Truenat, providing high sensitivity and specificity.
- It can detect TB DNA even when only 10 copies per microlitre are present, enabling early-stage diagnosis.
- Unlike RT-PCR, which requires three different temperature cycles, rt-LAMP works at a single temperature, simplifying the testing process.
- The test uses six primers for DNA amplification (compared to two in RT-PCR), ensuring faster and more specific detection.
- The researchers used a fluorescent dye (Syto 16)—commonly used in cell biology—which does not inhibit the reaction, solving the long-standing issue of false negatives in earlier LAMP tests.
- Results can be detected in 10–20 minutes, significantly reducing diagnostic time compared to RT-PCR.
- The rt-LAMP assay has been licensed to the industry for production.
- It has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is currently validating the technology.
- The World Health Organization’s Health Technology Access Pool (HTAP) also evaluates the test, pending ICMR validation.
