National Guidelines on the Implementation of TB Loop-Isothermal Mediated Amplification (TB-LAMP) test for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

In an effort to improve access to TB diagnosis and prompt treatment, the WHO in 2016 released guidelines for the use of TB Loop-isothermal mediated amplification test (TB-LAMP) following its adoption for use in high TB Burden countries for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB. TB-LAMP is a unique, temperature-independent technique for amplifying DNA and results can be read with the naked eyes under ultraviolent light. It is robust, easy to use and requires minimal maintenance and laboratory infrastructure. It requires no cold chain and can be used at peripheral health centers even as a mobile point of care test. It has a short turnaround time with a high throughput of 14 samples per run.