Saline gargle RT-PCR test technology

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In news–  Recently, Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) under the CSIR has transferred the know-how of indigenously developed Saline Gargle RT-PCR technique, used for testing COVID-19 samples. 

Saline Gargle RT-PCR technology-

• It is simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly and comfortable technology.
• It also provides instant test results and is well-suited for rural and tribal areas, given minimal infrastructure requirements. 
• The method is non-invasive and simple enough for a patient to collect his/her own sample for testing. 
• A simple collection tube filled with a saline solution is used. 
• The patient gargles with the solution and rinses it inside the tube. 
• The sample is then taken to a 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 RT-PCR test.
• This particular method of collecting and processing the sample enables to save on the otherwise costly infrastructural requirement of RNA extraction. 
• The government had in May announced the development of this technology that was also approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• The knowhow of the technology has been transferred to the Union Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), on a non-exclusive basis. 
• This would enable the innovation to be commercialized and licensed to all capable parties, including private, government and various rural development schemes and departments.

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