Validation of Laboratory Techniques, Strategies, and Types of Samples for Epidemiological Control in the Covid-19 Pandemic

RT-PCR (Gold standard): Real-time PCR testing with reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR). The test consists of a polymerase chain reaction that has previously had a reverse transcription phase, RT. This test allows the cADN (complementary DNA) to be obtained from a RNA chain. This technique allows the detection and amplification of a sequence from a strand of RNA.

LAMP: The LAMP technique, like PCR, has the ability to amplify specific DNA fragments (target sequence), allowing for highly sensitive detection of pathogens. Unlike pcr, LAMP requires between 4 and 6 feeders, external F3 and B3 feeders, which hybridte with the outer regions of the target sequence, while the internal FIP and BIP have sequences in both ways that allow the formation of a loop. The LAMP reaction is isothermal, i.e. it takes place at a single temperature. LAMP has been successfully used to detect viral diseases as well as viral pathogens such as West Nile virus, TMR-1, Norovirus, avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, among others.

POOL RT-PCR: This test aims to mix in a single sample the extractions obtained from several people. The joint sample is evaluated and, if negative, it is understood that all are free of COVID-19; if it is positive, an array system is used to detect the affected person. That is, a single PCR (polymerase chain reaction), the diagnostic test used to detect the virus pathogen is applied to a group and repeated individually if positive.

POOL LAMP: Like the RT-PCR pool test. This test essentially involves mixing in a single sample the extractions obtained from several people. This joint sample is tested and, if it is negative, it is understood that everyone is free of COVID-19; if it is positive, an array system is used to detect the affected person. That is: a single LAMP applies to a group