Comparison Between RT-qPCR and LAMP Methods for a Rapid COVID-19 Diagnosis in an Algerian Sample

Abstract

Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are critical for achieving control of COVID-19, a pandemic illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diagnostic tests for COVID-19 fall into two main categories: molecular and antigen tests. The reverse transcription real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has become the gold standard for diagnosis of the COVID-19; however, this test has many limitations that include potential false-negative results and precarious availability of test materials. The isothermal PCR or Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method has generated substantial interest as an alternative or complement to RT-qPCR, as some might be cheaper and easier to implement at the point of care. To our knowledge, it is the first Algerian study that wanted to compare two different molecular biology methods: RT-qPCR and LAMP for rapid diagnosis of COVID-19. In this review, we wanted to compare the CTs observed by RT-qPCR with those observed by LAMP in the same laboratory.