Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has transferred the know-how of indigenously developed Saline Gargle RT-PCR technique, used for testing COVID-19 to the Union Ministry of MSME for commercial use. ICMR has already approved it.

Saline Gargle gives instant test results. It is suitable for rural and tribal areas, as it requires minimum basic facilities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NEERI said that the institute has been ‘dedicated to the nation’ to serve society. The know-how 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. The licensees have been asked to set up commercial production facilities in compact kit form for easy use of this technology.

On the occasion, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways said: “The Saline Gargle RT-PCR method needs implementation across the nation, especially in resource-poor regions like rural and tribal areas. This would result in faster and more citizen-friendly testing and will strengthen our fight against the pandemic.

Saline Gargle RT-PCR Test: No Swab, Get Result within 3 Hours

Scientists of Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed a ‘Saline Gargle RT-PCR Method’ for testing COVID-19 samples.

How saline gargle RT PCR works

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 us to save on the otherwise costly infrastructural requirement of  RNA extraction. People can also test themselves since this method allows self-sampling.” The method is environment-friendly as well since waste generation is minimized.