What are LAMP tests used for?

LAMP stands for loop-mediated isothermal amplification. LAMP tests are most commonly used to detect pathogenic bacteria and viruses.  It is a highly specific, faster and more cost-effective alternative to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology for the detection of certain diseases. Most recently, LAMP tests have been used as a reliable test for diagnosing COVID-19. A typical LAMP test uses 4 primers that recognize 6 regions on the bacterial or viral genome. The test is carried out at a constant temperature of about 60°C to 65°C. When pathogenic viruses or bacteria are present in the sample, the reaction generates vast quantities of amplified material very rapidly, showing positive results within 15 to 25 minutes from the start of the reaction.  This detection speed is far shorter than that of conventional PCR.