LoCKAmp diagnosis device hailed as ‘world’s fastest Covid test’

Detailed in in Lab on a Chip, LoCKAmp is described by its creators as the ‘world’s fastest Covid test’.

LoCKAmp comprises a portable testing unit, and disposable cartridges that are used for each test. It harnesses RT-LAMP (reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) to multiply specific sequences of RNA, quickly detecting the virus it is looking for. The team said LAMP detection is preferable to PCR testing as it has higher sensitivity, is faster and more specific.

Processing takes place at 65° instead of needing the three thermal cycles a PCR test requires. A further benefit of the design is that no pre-processing of the nasal swab samples is required.

Once a nasal swab sample is added to the device, the LoCKAmp pumps the liquid through transparent microfluidic channels layered onto the circuit board, above copper heaters 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.