@article{mbs:/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.001238, author = "Lee, Jean Y. H. and Best, Nickala and McAuley, Julie and Porter, Jessica L. and Seemann, Torsten and Schultz, Mark B. and Sait, Michelle and Orlando, Nicole and Mercoulia, Karolina and Ballard, Susan A. and Druce, Julian and Tran, Thomas and Catton, Mike G. and Pryor, Melinda J. and Cui, Huanhuan L. and Luttick, Angela and McDonald, Sean and Greenhalgh, Arran and Kwong, Jason C. and Sherry, Norelle L. and Graham, Maryza and Hoang, Tuyet and Herisse, Marion and Pidot, Sacha J. and Williamson, Deborah A. and Howden, Benjamin P. and Monk, Ian R. and Stinear, Timothy P.", title = "Validation of a single-step, single-tube reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA", journal= "Journal of Medical Microbiology", year = "2020", volume = "69", number = "9", pages = "1169-1178", doi = "https://doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.001238", url = "https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.001238", publisher = "Microbiology Society", issn = "1473-5644", type = "Journal Article", keywords = "RT-LAMP", keywords = "nasopharyngeal swabs", keywords = "SARS-CoV-2", keywords = "universal transport media", abstract = " Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic of 2020 has resulted in unparalleled requirements for RNA extraction kits and enzymes required for virus detection, leading to global shortages. This has necessitated the exploration of alternative diagnostic options to alleviate supply chain issues. Aim. To establish and validate a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT- LAMP) assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swabs. Methodology. We used a commercial RT-LAMP mastermix from OptiGene in combination with a primer set designed to detect the CDC N1 region of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) gene. A single-tube, single-step fluorescence assay was implemented whereby 1 µl of universal transport medium (UTM) directly from a nasopharyngeal swab could be used as template, bypassing the requirement for RNA purification. Amplification and detection could be conducted in any thermocycler capable of holding 65 °C for 30 min and measure fluorescence in the FAM channel at 1 min intervals. Results. Assay evaluation by assessment of 157 clinical specimens previously screened by E-gene RT-qPCR revealed assay sensitivity and specificity of 87 and 100%, respectively. Results were fast, with an average time-to-positive (Tp) for 93 clinical samples of 14 min (sd±7 min). Using dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into UTM, we also evaluated assay performance against FDA guidelines for implementation of emergency-use diagnostics and established a limit-of-detection of 54 Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50 per ml (TCID50 ml−1), with satisfactory assay sensitivity and specificity. A comparison of 20 clinical specimens between four laboratories showed excellent interlaboratory concordance; performing equally well on three different, commonly used thermocyclers, pointing to the robustness of the assay. Conclusion. With a simplified workflow, The N1 gene Single Tube Optigene LAMP assay (N1-STOP-LAMP) is a powerful, scalable option for specific and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and an additional resource in the diagnostic armamentarium against COVID-19.", }