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COVID-19 Testing in Less than 5 Minutes Using Novel RTF-EXPAR Method

The assay time is considerably reduced from about an hour to few minutes by the newly reported RTF-EXPAR method which uses reverse transcriptase-free (RTF) approach for conversion of RNA into DNA followed by EXPAR (Exponential Amplification Reaction) for amplification at single temperature.

Controlling the rate of COVID-19 spread requires an accurate and a faster virus testing strategy. RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), the most accurate testing method being currently employed is a two-step test that takes around 60 minutes per sample.  

The researchers from the University of Birmingham have reported a novel method for detection of SARS-CoV-2. This could enable much faster testing and is sufficiently sensitive.  

The viral RNA detection by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) involves conversion of viral RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA) followed by amplification of cDNA by a quantitative PCR (qPCR). The cDNA is then detected using a fluorescent dye. This takes up to an hour. 

The assay time is considerably reduced from about an hour to few minutes by the newly reported RTF-EXPAR method which uses reverse transcriptase-free (RTF) approach for conversion of RNA into DNA followed by EXPAR (Exponential Amplification Reaction) for amplification at single temperature. The amplification taking place at a single temperature is the key to speed, because it avoids lengthy heating and cooling steps of RT-PCR. Further, the section of DNA being amplified is smaller compared RT-PCR. Hence, EXPAR generates up to 108 strands of DNA product in few minutes. The duplex formation is monitored, as in RT-PCR method using fluorescent dye, SYBR Green.  

Interestingly, the new method can be modified to detect several other infectious diseases caused by RNA viruses, for example Ebola, RSV, etc.  

Source(s):  

Carter et al (2020).  Sub-5-minute Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using a Reverse Transcriptase-Free Exponential Amplification Reaction, RTF-EXPAR. Preprint. Published at medRxiv Posted January 04, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.31.20248236 

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SCIEU Team
SCIEU Teamhttps://www.scientificeuropean.co.uk
Scientific European® | SCIEU.com | Significant advances in science. Impact on humankind. Inspiring minds.

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