CSIR transfers knowhow for fast, cost-effective COVID-19 testing technique

In a development that could help strengthen the fight against COVID-19, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)’s Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has transferred the know-how for a technique developed by its scientists for testing of samples from suspected coronavirus patients.

The new test promises to be simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly, and comfortable, even as it is based on the standard RT-PCR technology. According to the scientists, it will provide test results under just three hours and is well-suited for rural and tribal areas, as it required minimal infrastructure.

The know-how has been transferred to the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), on a non-exclusive basis. This would enable the innovation to be commercialized and licensed to all capable parties in the private and government sectors.

The technique is non-invasive and is very simple. The patient has to just gargle with a solution developed by the scientists and rinse it inside a tube filled with saline solution. This sample in the collection tube will be then taken to the laboratory, where it will be kept in a special buffer solution at room temperature. An RNA template will be produced when this solution is heated, and this will be further processed for the RT-PCR test.

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“The new method of collecting and processing the sample enables savings on the otherwise costly infrastructural requirement of RNA extraction. People can also test themselves. The method allows for self-sampling”, explained Dr. Krishna Khairnar, the principal inventor of the `Saline Gargle RT-PCR technology’.

The licensees would set up manufacturing facilities for commercial production in the form of easily usable compact kits. CSIR-NEERI had fast-tracked the know-how transfer process in the light of the prevailing pandemic situation and probable third wave of COVID-19.

The ceremonial transfer of the Standard Operating Procedure and Know-How of the Saline Gargle RT-PCR technique was done in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari 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”.

Director of CSIR-NEERI, Dr. Srivari Chandrasekhar, Chairman of Technology Transfer, CSIR-NEERI, Dr. Atul Vaidya, and Dr. Krishna Khairnar, were also present on the occasion.