Covid Testing In Children: Know Suggested Methods, Efficiency Of Tests

The most effective ways to collect samples for testing in kids include Oral RT-PCR, or Salivary RT-PCR, and Gargle RT-PCR.

Representative Photo

New Delhi: Most health experts including AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria has shared concerns saying the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is inevitable in India as states are ramping up measures to fight the virus especially protecting the children from the threat.

A report undertaken by The Lancet’s Covid-19 Commission India Task Force has mentioned that most children infected with the virus have remained asymptomatic while mild infections were predominant among those with symptoms.

The second wave also witnessed children being equally affected, and parents are worried about a possible third wave and the impact on kids. In order to treat children against this infection, the right diagnosis remains an important component. However, testing in children remains a bit tricky as kids may not be comfortable with the procedures.

According to the News18 report, Dr Shashi Bhushan, a Neonatologist and a paediatrician at Cloudnine Hospitals Malleswaram, Bengaluru, has suggested the alternate methods of testing designed for kids.

Bhushan is also a member of the High-Level Expert Committee for Prevention and Management of Covid Wave-3 of Karnataka,

What are the covid testing methods for kids?

The most effective ways to collect samples for testing in kids include Oral RT-PCR, or Salivary RT-PCR, and Gargle RT-PCR.

The Nasal swab collection and Rapid Antigen Test are also other forms of test that can be used.

What is the difference between a nasal swab and a nasopharyngeal swab?

The nasopharyngeal swab is normally used to collect the sample in adults. Under this process, a long and thin material is inserted deep into the nose through the nostril and pulled out. Even as this method takes in less than a second to collect the swab, people are slightly uncomfortable to undertake the procedure. Children may be resistant to allow this test in absence of understanding of the process. So the sample collecting material is just smeared at the beginning of the nostril without going deep inside and the sample is collected. This process is known as a nasal swab.

What is Gargle RT-PCR?

In this method, a specific fluid known as gargling solution is provided to the kid which he/she is supposed to gargle and spit it out. However, this method is only used on kids above 7 years of age.

What is the efficiency and accuracy of such methods?

All the above methods are said toe as effective as the conventional ones. ICMR has approved gargle RT-PCR.

Are these methods used anywhere else?

Salivary RT-PCR is used in the US and France. Gargle RT-PCR has been recently used in Pune and proved to be beneficial.

Any special training required for the medical staff for these tests?

It is always advised that testing on children is done by paediatric staff. However, when there is a shortage of skilled staff, it is advised that available staff is trained to collect samples from children.