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Researchers at the Thiruvananthapuram-based Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) have developed and tested, cost-effective, real-time LAMP (rt-LAMP) assay for early diagnosis of TB.

About rt-LAMP Test

The rt-LAMP test is a new way to detect tuberculosis (TB) quickly and accurately. It is a type of molecular test that can find TB bacteria in samples like spit (sputum). Researchers at SCTIMST developed this test, they said that it is faster, cheaper, and just as good—or even better—than existing tests like GeneXpert.

Most people are tested using an old method called sputum smear microscopy, which isn’t very accurate. Only about 21% of people get tested with modern molecular tests. The government wants to reduce dependence on the old method by 2025, but still far from that goal. The rt-LAMP test could help fix this because it is affordable and easy to use.

How Does the rt-LAMP Test Work?

• Single Temperature Testing: Unlike other tests like RT-PCR, which need different temperatures to work, rt-LAMP works at one constant temperature. This makes it simpler and faster.
• Fluorescent Dye: Scientists used a special dye called Syto 16. This dye helps track the test results every minute instead of waiting until the end. It also doesn’t mess up the reaction, which was a problem with older dyes.
• Six Primers for Accuracy: The test uses six primers (tiny pieces of genetic material) instead of just two. This makes the test more sensitive and specific. In simple words, it finds TB bacteria more easily and doesn’t give wrong results often.
• Affordable: Since it doesn’t need expensive probes (like RT-PCR does) and uses cheap materials, the test costs less money.

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Source:

THE HINDU

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