Researchers develop new, rapid test to diagnose COVID-19

A revolutionary test developed by scientists can now diagnose COVID-19 within 20 minutes.

Published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, the study demonstrated that the rapid molecular test, known as N1-STOP-LAMP, can diagnose samples containing high loads of SARS-CoV-2 with an accuracy of 100%.

The innovative test is user-friendly and highly precise, rendering it a key candidate for use in environments that have reduced testing capabilities. A tiny portable machine is used in the latest technique. This machine can consistently identify SARS-CoV-2 from just a single nasal swab.

In the race to control the COVID-19 pandemic, access to rapid, precision diagnostics is key. We have developed an alternative COVID-19 molecular test that can be readily deployed in settings where access to standard laboratory testing is limited or where ultra-rapid result turnaround times are needed.”

Tim Stinear, Laboratory Head, Doherty Institute,

Stinear is also a professor at The University of Melbourne.

The latest test utilizes just a single tube and involves only one step, rendering it more efficient and cost-effective when compared to many of the present tests meant for SARS-CoV-2.

It was found that the N1-STOP-LAMP technique has an accuracy of 100% and correctly detected 87% of tests as positive when used to evaluate confirmed-positive samples totaling 157. The results were rapid and took an average time-to-positive of 14 minutes for a total of 93 of the clinical samples.

We see this kind of technology having benefit in settings liked aged care facilities, or overseas laboratories with limited resources and equipment. The test requires a small shoebox-sized machine, as well as reagents, but everything is portable.”

Tim Stinear, Laboratory Head, Doherty Institute

“STOP-LAMP is what’s referred to as a ‘near care’ test; it is not intended to replace the current gold standard PCR testing. It’s a robust diagnostic test for the specific and rapid detection of COVID-19. But it’s important to note however, it trades some detection sensitivity for speed and ease-of-use,” Professor Stinear concluded.