Saliva Based Testing Kit for COVID-19 Developed By Researcher At Jamia Millia Islamic University

The team of researcher from Multidisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research and Studies (MCARS) at Jamia Millia Islamia University have developed a RNA extraction, saliva based detection technology for testing COVID-19.

As the country races to reopen educational institutes, the need for easier and cost efficient test for COVID-19 is must. A team of Scientists at MCRAS in Jamia Millia Islamia University has developed a new technology for the virus. The technology is saliva based detection technology through RNA extraction. It is faster than the current procedure and a lot easier also.

The person has to put their saliva sample into the kit and within an hour the result will be displayed. Since it has easier procedure unlike the current test procedure it can be encouraged to be used at home too to limit the movement of the patient and also cuts the possible exposure of virus to healthcare professionals and at clinic and test centres. Further, researchers are planning to link the kit to mobile application, incase the person is not able to collect the report, the application will notify him or her with the results. They are calling the technology MI-SEHAT (Mobile Integrated Sensitive Estimation and High- specificity Application for Testing).

Dr Mohan C Joshi, co-developer of the device said, "At a time when the rapid diagnosis of Covid-19 remains the most-effective measure to contain and manage the viral spread, rapid testing of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is crucial. However, the available standalone or integrated PCR-based detection kit remains confined to the sophisticated instrumental diagnostic laboratory setup and takes a minimum of two to three hours in providing the result with the need for error-prone RNA extraction step."

 Prof Najma Akhtar, JMI Vice-Chancellor said, "MI-SEHAT is a true example of smart innovation and reflects the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Being a user-friendly technology, MI-SEHAT will encourage home testing thus will restrict interaction and movement of Covid-19 positive patients outside the home. Further, it will reduce exposure of our healthcare professionals to Covid-19 positive patients who are directly or indirectly engaged in testing."

 The rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 is the effective measure to contain and manage the viral spread, cost-effective rapid testing is the need of the hour, with MI-SEHAT we will be able to conduct tests at home thus limiting the spread of the virus.