Significance This work describes the optimization of a sample preparation and detection pipeline for a SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test that is rapid and does not require specialized equipment. This pipeline consists of viral inactivation, rendering samples safer to work with, followed by a sensitive 30-min isothermal detection reaction with a color-based red to yellow readout. Sensitivity can be further improved using a simple and inexpensive purification protocol. This pipeline can help address the shortage of testing capacity and can be run in a variety of settings. The current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has had an enormous impact on society worldwide, threatening the lives and livelihoods of many. The effects will continue to grow and worsen if economies begin to open without the proper precautions, including expanded diagnostic capabilities. To address this need for increased testing, we have developed a sensitive reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay compatible with current reagents, which utilizes a colorimetric readout in as little as 30 min. A rapid inactivation protocol capable of inactivating virions, as well as endogenous nucleases, was optimized to increase sensitivity and sample stability. This protocol, combined with the RT-LAMP assay, has a sensitivity of at least 50 viral RNA copies per microliter in a sample. To further increase the sensitivity, a purification protocol compatible with this inactivation method was developed. The inactivation and purification protocol, combined with the RT-LAMP assay, brings the sensitivity to at least 1 viral RNA copy per microliter in a sample. This simple inactivation and purification pipeline is inexpensive and compatible with other downstream RNA detection platforms and uses readily available reagents. It should increase the availability of SARS-CoV-2 testing as well as expand the settings in which this testing can be performed.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, diagnostic, RT-LAMP, 【초록키워드】 coronavirus, pandemic, protocol, equipment, RNA, sensitivity, stability, SARS-CoV-2 testing, inactivation, isothermal amplification, Viral RNA, platform, isothermal, acute respiratory syndrome, diagnostic capabilities, reagents, help, virions, purification, nucleases, downstream, viral inactivation, precautions, Effect, performed, variety, expand, Significance, 【제목키워드】 protocol, SARS-CoV-2 detection, inactivation, isothermal amplification, purification,