Rapid, Affordable and Scalable SARS-CoV-2 Detection from Saliva

Hayden, A.; Kuentzel, M.; Chittur, S. V.

Here we present an inexpensive, rapid, and robust RT-LAMP based SARS-CoV-2 detection method that is easily scalable, enabling point of care facilities and clinical labs to determine results from patients' saliva directly in 30 minutes for less than $2 a sample. The method utilizes a novel combination of widely available reagents that can be prepared in bulk, plated and frozen and remain stable until samples are received. This innovation dramatically reduces preparation time, enabling high-throughput automation and testing with time to results (including setup) in less than one hour for 96 patient samples simultaneously when using a 384 well format. By utilizing a dual-reporter (phenol red pH indicator for end-point detection and SYTO-9 fluorescent dye for real-time), the assay also provides internal validation of results and redundancy in the event of an instrument malfunction.