Rapid Detection of COVID-۱۹ by RT-LAMP PCR Technique and its Comparison with Real-Time RT-PCR Method

Background and Aim: Rapid antigen and antibody, serological tests, and RT ‑ PCR-based molecular methods are widely used to detect microorganisms worldwide. This study aimed to detect the covid-۱۹ using Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques. Materials and Methods: In this study, we collected ۲۰۰ samples of nasopharynx and oropharynx from Jamaran Heart Hospital in Tehran. Covid -۱۹ was examined by LAMP-RT PCR and Real-Time RT- PCR techniques. The nasopharynx and oropharynx nucleic acids were extracted both by pishtaz RNA extraction kit. LAMP-RT-PCR was performed on direct samples, while Real-Time RT-PCR samples were tested only using RNA extraction samples. The probe-primer mixture of this kit was designed using a dual-target gene method that simultaneously targets the genomic sequences of the spike region and N nucleocapsid. Fluorescence was measured using Real-Time RT-PCR and LAMP-RT PCR. Results: Clinical specimens (۵۶%) were positive using Real-Time RT-PCR technique, with mean Ct values less than ۳۰. Clinical samples (۵۲%) were positive for Covid-۱۹ in the RT-LAMP technique of RNA extraction samples. RT-LAMP technique indicated a sensitivity of ۹۲.۸%. Also in the RT-LAMP method without RNA extraction, the sensitivity of the technique was ۸۵.۷%. Conclusion: The LAMP-RT PCR technique is emerging as an appropriate alternative to the Real-Time RT-PCR method. This technique has basic advantages, such as constant temperature amplification, thermal cycle elimination, faster results, and potentially greater detection capacity. Therefore, the RT-LAMP-PCR can be used as a quick and cost-effective technique that can be employed in all areas.