LENGKONG, AYOBANDUNG.COM – PCR mouthwash is the latest method for diagnosing COVID-19 disease. Compared to PCR swab, this PCR method is more convenient to do because it is painless. However, how does it work and how effective is it? PCR mouthwash? Check out the answer in the following article.
Quoted from Alodokter.com, there are three types tes COVID-19 used in Indonesia, namely PCR, antigen swab, and antibody rapid test. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) can detect viral genetic material (DNA or RNA), antigen swabs can detect certain proteins in the virus, while antibody rapid tests detect the presence of antibodies against the Corona virus.
So far, the PCR test is the standard test to diagnose or detect COVID-19. This test uses a sample of phlegm or mucus taken from the nasopharynx (the passage between the nose and throat) and oropharynx (the back of the throat) to be analyzed using PCR techniques in a laboratory.
When sampling, some people may complain of pain and discomfort, because the nose and throat swab gives a sensation of being poked. Therefore, a new breakthrough for the PCR test has emerged using saliva samples taken by gargling.
Definition and How it Works PCR Mouthwash
PCR mouthwash Gargle or PCR is a method to detect the presence of the Corona virus in the human body by gargling. The sampling method for the PCR test in this way aims to make patients feel more comfortable, especially for children and the elderly.
Apart from providing comfort, PCR mouthwash It is also expected to be carried out in non-medical areas under the supervision of health workers, so as to reduce crowds and avoid direct contact.
The sampling process using the PCR method is also considered more practical and does not need to involve a lot of medical personnel. The following is how to take samples PCR mouthwash:
- First, the medical officer will give a saline solution for gargling.
- Next, the patient will be asked to rinse his mouth with the saline solution for 45 seconds.
- Samples of saliva (saliva) from gargling will be put into a tube that has been provided by a health worker.
Next, sample PCR mouthwash which have been collected in the tube will be taken to the laboratory to be tested using the PCR technique. The technique used is the same as the PCR test using a nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal swab sample.
After arriving at the laboratory, the sample will be tested using special chemicals and a PCR machine called a thermal cycler. During the testing process, the chemical will produce a fluorescent lamp, if the Corona virus is detected. This is what indicates a positive PCR test result in a COVID-19 patient.
However, there are some things you should avoid at least 30 minutes before committing tes COVID-19 by method PCR mouthwash, that is:
- Eat and drink
- Using mouthwash
- Brushing teeth
- Chewing gum
- Smoking, both tobacco cigarettes and vaping
Although relatively more comfortable than the nose and throat swab test, PCR mouthwash not a good choice for people with low saliva production, such as stroke survivors or dry mouth.
Effectiveness PCR Mouthwash in Detecting COVID-19
So far, PCR mouthwash has been developed by Biofarma as a state-owned company engaged in the pharmaceutical sector. According to research, this method is much more convenient for detecting the virus that causes COVID-19 in the body of patients with or without symptoms.
Development process PCR mouthwash This study in Indonesia involved more than 400 samples of positive COVID-19 patients, both outpatients and inpatients.
From this study it is known that the sensitivity PCR mouthwash reached 93.57 percent, not much different from the nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal swab PCR which has a sensitivity of 95 percent. In addition, research PCR mouthwash in the United States also shows a high sensitivity, which is approximately 95 percent.
However, due to PCR mouthwash is a new breakthrough in detecting COVID-19, until now the effectiveness of the method PCR mouthwash to diagnose COVID-19 is still being researched.
PCR mouthwash has several advantages, including:
- Faster and simpler sampling process
- Economical
- It doesn’t hurt
- Can be done on children who can already gargle
Although more convenient than nasopharyngeal-oropharyngeal swab PCR, PCR mouthwash still has some drawbacks. One of them is that not all laboratories can carry out examinations PCR mouthwash in Indonesia, especially in remote areas.
Therefore, if you feel symptoms of COVID-19 or have had contact with a positive patient for COVID-19, it is recommended that you carry out a conventional PCR swab examination. If the result is positive, do self-isolation and continue to adhere to strict health protocols.
You can also consult a doctor through the ALODOKTER chat application to get information about medicines and handling COVID-19 that you can do.
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