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Rapid changes in how the world must react to pandemics has led to an unprecedented effort to develop rapid, easy to interpret point-of-care tests that meet the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. To address this critical need, Sandia National Laboratories developed QUASR (Quenching of Unincorporated Amplification Signal Reporters), a technique to significantly enhance the favorable characteristics of LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification). Combining these capabilities enables SmartLAMP, a smartphone-based deployable diagnostic device to create a simple, inexpensive, and robust system to quickly assess large and potentially dangerous public health situations.
About
The basics of Sandia's diagnostic technology is founded on LAMP, a primer-based amplification of DNA/RNA targets. LAMP is one of several isothermal techniques with numerous desirable characteristics and benefits, such as fast response (5-30 min), robust and simple design, high sensitivity, low capital cost, and low power requirements. It can also work with minimal to no sample pre-treatment, which is ideal for deployed diagnostics. As a PCR alternative, LAMP has existed for over a decade, yet never became mainstream due to the potential for false positives and lack of multiplexing. Sandia has overcome these issues by incorporating its unique and novel approach to a primer design called QUASR. QUASR significantly brightens the endpoint signal in a closed tube detection LAMP assay, allowing for a visual difference between positive and negative results that can be discerned and documented with simple equipment like a digital camera, smartphone, or even with the naked eye using a colored filter.
Key Benefits
Reduced cost compared to current testing equipment Faster and more accurate testing of human samples with results within 30 minutes User-friendly - no need for expensive equipment and technical training Eliminates need for lab preparation of biological samples and refrigeration Device can be adapted to detect other human or animal pathogens Distinguishes current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants and pandemics
Applications
Limited-resource clinics Areas with minimally trained medical professionals and/or limited facilities Any area that needs to detect human or animal pathogens