A compact genetic testing device developed for COVID-19 could detect various pathogens or conditions, such as cancer. The compact virus device that gives lab-quality results within just three minutes has been invented by engineers at the University of Bath, who describe it as the ‘world’s fastest Covid test.’ The prototype LoCKAmp device uses innovative ‘lab on a chip’ technology and has been proven to provide rapid and low-cost detection of COVID-19 from nasal swabs. The research team says the technology could easily be adapted to detect pathogens such as bacteria or conditions like cancer. The device rapidly releases and amplifies genetic material from a nasal swab sample by conducting a chemical reaction to produce a result that can be viewed on a smartphone app. The device is made with off-the-shelf components and factory-manufactured printed circuit boards. The prototype device could be made on a mass scale quickly and cheaply, presenting care providers and public health bodies worldwide with an effective new tool in virus detection. LoCKAmp harnesses reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification to multiply specific sequences of RNA, meaning it can quickly detect the particular virus it is looking for. The processing takes place at a single stable temperature of 65°. Once a nasal swab sample is added to the device, the LoCKAmp pumps the liquid through tiny transparent ‘microfluidic’ channels layered onto the circuit board above copper heaters just 0.017mm thick. These heat the sample, releasing the RNA genetic material from the virus. This is then further heated and treated with RT-LAMP chemicals to encourage multiplication. @ https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/lab-on-a-chip-genetic-test-device-can-identify-viruses-within-three-minutes-with-highest-accuracy/
