What Is Saline Gargle RT-PCR Test? Know How To Use Self-Test Covid Kit Approved By ICMR

The do-it-yourself version of the innovative Saline RT-PCR test does not require the swab samples collected from the nose and throat of patients. It does not require a skilled healthcare worker to collect the swab sample

Representative Image (Source: AFP)

Nagpur: The Indian Council of Medical Research has recently approved a new easy-to-perform procedure of Covid-19 testing which is believed to a patient-friendly ‘Saline Gargle RT-PCR Method' that can get results in three hours.

The do-it-yourself version of the innovative Saline RT-PCR test has been developed by the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), which does not require the swab samples collected from the nose and throat of patients.

Know All About Saline Gargle RT-PCR Test:

Since the method does not require a skilled healthcare worker to collect the swab sample, it is simple, fast, economical, patient-friendly and comfortable. It does not require any RNA extraction kit. Moreover, it is well-suited for rural and tribal areas, given minimal infrastructure requirements. 

Krishna Khairnar, senior scientist, Environmental Virology Cell at NEERI, said the swab collection method requires time. Moreover, since it is an invasive technique, it is a bit uncomfortable for patients.

"Sometime, 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, as quoted by PTI. 

How to use the Saline Gargle RT-PCR Method:

The DIY Saline Gargle RT-PCR method is non-invasive and simple that a patient can collect the sample himself. 

The Saline Gargle RT-PCR method uses a simple collection tube filled with saline solution. 

The patient gargles the solution and rinses 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 method is environment-friendly as well, since waste generation is minimised.