Why in the News?

Researchers from Thiruvananthapuram have developed a cost-effective Real-Time LAMP (rt-LAMP) Assay for early Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.

About the rt-LAMP Assay

The rt-LAMP assay (real-time Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) is a molecular diagnostic test designed to detect TB DNA with high precision.
It can detect TB DNA at concentrations as low as 10 copy numbers per microlitre, ensuring early detection even with low bacterial loads.
Developed by SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, the rt-LAMP assay uses Syto 16, a fluorescent dye, to monitor DNA amplification in real time, addressing the limitations of traditional LAMP tests.
Working Principle:
- It uses six primers for DNA amplification (compared to two in RT-PCR), enhancing amplification speed.
- It operates at a single temperature, unlike RT-PCR, making it simpler and more cost-effective.
- It monitors the amplification process continuously, providing faster results.

High Sensitivity and Specificity: Ensures accurate detection of TB DNA due to the use of six primers.
Cost-Effective: Uses affordable fluorescent dyes and primers, reducing diagnostic costs.
Speed: Produces results in just 10-20 minutes, faster than traditional tests.
Ease of Use: Compatible with existing RT-PCR machines, reducing the need for new infrastructure.
High Throughput: Can process 96-384 tests in one run, making it ideal for high-volume settings.

[UPSC 2007] Which of the following types is used by computed tomography employed for visualization of the internal structure of the human body?

(a) X-rays (b) Sound Waves (c) Magnetic Resonance (d) Radioisotopes