Uncovering mechanisms of RT-LAMP colorimetric SARS-CoV-2 detection to improve assay reliability

Improved diagnostics are needed to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we enhanced the color changes and sensitivity of colorimetric SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assays based on triarylmethane dyes. We determined a mechanism for the color changes and obtained sensitivities of 10 RNA copies per microliter.

Automated summary

Improved diagnostics are crucial for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the sensitivity of colorimetric SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP assays was enhanced using triarylmethane dyes. A mechanism for the color changes was identified and sensitivities of 10 RNA copies per microliter were achieved.