The scientists of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) have developed a do-it-yourself 'Saline Gargle RT-PCR Method' for testing COVID-19 samples. The instant, comfortable and patient-friendly testing method will generate the results within three hours.
The simple and fast method of swab collection and processing for the RT-PCR coronavirus test has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The existing swab collection method requires time and since it is an invasive technique, it is a bit uncomfortable for patients, said Krishna Khairnar, senior scientist, Environmental Virology Cell at NEERI. The Nagpur-based NEERI is a constituent laboratory of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
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"Sometimes, it is also lost in the transport of the sample to the collection centre. On the other hand, the Saline Gargle RT-PCR method is instant, comfortable and patient-friendly. Sampling is done instantly and results will be generated within three hours," he said.#IndiaFightsCorona @CSIR_NEERI 's Saline Gargle #RTPCR Testing Method
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Dr. Krishna Khairnar, Senior Scientist, and his team at NEERI hopes this patient-friendly method is implemented at national level to strengthen our battle against the #pandemic pic.twitter.com/NTBneOdG4I
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) May 28, 2021
The method is non-invasive and so simple that a patient can collect the sample himself, said Khairnar.
Here is all you need to know about this new test and how to do it yourself:
> Collection methods like nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab collection require technical expertise and they are also time-consuming. In contrast, the Saline Gargle RT-PCR method uses a simple collection tube filled with saline solution.
> To get tested for the novel coronavirus infection, a person needs to gargle the solution and rinse it inside the tube.
> This sample in the collection tube is taken to the laboratory where it is kept at room temperature, in a special buffer solution prepared by NEERI.
> An RNA template is produced when this solution is heated, which is further processed for Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). This particular method of collecting and processing the sample enables to save on the otherwise costly infrastructural requirement of RNA extraction.
> The test method has received the approval of ICMR. NEERI has further been asked to train other testing labs, to help scale up its adoption across the country.
> The method is environment-friendly as well, since waste generation is minimised, according to Khairnar.
> The scientist expects that this testing technique will be especially beneficial for rural and tribal areas where infrastructure requirements can be a constraint.
> The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has given permission to go ahead with the method, following which testing has begun at NEERI, the CSIR said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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