New test kit ’RT-LAMP’ with swift results than PCR, RAT introduced

10 September 2021 08:22 am Views - 211

 

• The new test kit known as the 'Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification' , will provide faster results than the RAT or PCR tests and costs as low as Rs.1,500
• The product has been approved by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), while it is set to be registered shortly and is set to obtain the patent both locally and internationally

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

A new test kit manufactured locally by a research team from the Peradeniya University, is to be used in Sri Lanka as an interim testing method to the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and PCR tests to detect people infected with COVID-19 virus, the Health Ministry said yesterday. 

The research team which comprises Peradeniya University Vice Chancellor Prof. M.D. Lamawansa and senior lecturer of the University Ruchika Fernando met Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to brief the efficacy of the test kit.

The new test kit known as the 'Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification' (RT LAMP), will provide faster results than the RAT or PCR tests and costs as low as Rs.1,500.

The product has been approved by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), while it is set to be registered shortly and is set to obtain the patent both locally and internationally.

The positive agreement of the newly manufactured test kit is very high (97%) compared to alternatives like Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) in which the positive agreement ranges only between 12-71%.

 

• The positive agreement of the newly manufactured test kit is very high (97%) compared to alternatives like Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) in which the positive agreement ranges only between 12-71%