Nagpur: The technique of collecting RT-PCR samples through gargling, an innovation of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri), will soon be implemented outside the city.
With this, Nagpur zilla parishad will become the first in the country to implement this technique in rural and tribal areas.
The decision was taken in a meeting held between minister of animal husbandry and dairy development Sunil Kedar and administrative officials on Saturday.
Developed by Neeri scientist Krishna Khairnar and approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the technique uses simple method of gargling to take RT-PCR samples.
“It was very unfortunate to witness a large number of people dying of Covid-19 in villages during the second wave.
It is challenging to collect samples from villages and tribal areas as trained healthcare professional and special infrastructure is not available.
The saline gargle technique allows collecting samples without the need of trained health care professionals.
The requirements too are basic,” said Rashmi Barve, the ZP president.
Adding that the technique will prove to be a game-changer for rural areas, Barve said, “Testing is a most important aspect for mitigating COVID-19 pandemic.
The one-step RNA extraction method also speeds up the analysis of samples and provides quick results.
As a president, I wish to ensure that we are well prepared for third wave in advance, so that precious lives can be saved.” In Nagpur, the technique was first implemented at the Regional Police Training School over a week back by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) which became the country’s first civic body to implement it for RT-PCR testing.
Now, the civic body is carrying out trials at other collection centres too.
Municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B told TOI, “A trial run was held at a collection centre at Satranjipura.
On Sunday, Hanuman Nagar and Dhantoli centres too will do the same.
Samples will be sent to Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) , Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS).
After checking the results, we will take a call on further implementation.” While the commercial manufacturing of sample collection kits has started, the Neeri-designed one-step RNA extraction buffer substance is awaiting the approval of Drugs Controller General of India.
“Till the manufacturing of the buffer begins, laboratories have an option to test the gargling samples using the existing RNA extraction kits.
The other option will be to use the special buffer medium in which collected sample is mixed and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature and then heated for six minutes at 98 degree Celsius,” said officials.
As reported by TOI earlier, the latter method will be faster and cost-effective compared to the existing RNA extraction process.