Dhaka University lab detects COVID-19 in 40 mins using RT-LAMP kit

A team of researchers at Dhaka University has successfully detected the novel coronavrus in 40 minutes using RT-LAMP diagnostic kit at its recently launched the COVID-19 Pandemic Laboratory.

In a press statement, the university authorities said once this test kit has been used, the COVID-19 infection can be detected in the quickest possible time.

DU public relations office on Sunday said a team of researchers led by professor Zeba Islam Seraj, chairman the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, conducted the test at the DU laboratory.

The university press release also read that the RT-LAMP diagnostic kit has successfully detected the coronavirus and it took just 30-40 minutes.

It said American Molecular Biology Reagents and Kits produces the kit and Bangladesh’s ‘Biotech Concern’ is the sole provider of the kits here. Dhaka University’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and ‘Biotech Concern’ have jointly appealed to the authorities of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital (BSMMU) to test efficacy of the kits.

Following the performance study, it added, they will later apply to the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) for approval.