Covid Testing in Children: What are the Methods, How Efficient are the Tests? All You Need to Know

With the expectation of a third wave not so far, States are pulling up their socks and getting ready to wage a war against the virus to protect children. Any treatment can be fruitful only with the right diagnosis. Testing in children is a tricky task as kids may not be comfortable with the procedures.

Dr Shashi Bhushan, Neonatologist and a paediatrician at Cloudnine Hospitals Malleswaram, Bengaluru, who is also a member of the High-Level Expert Committee for Prevention and Management of Covid Wave-3 of Karnataka, has answered the alternate methods of testing which are designed for kids.

Why should there be a different method of testing for kids?

Children in general fear doctors and hospitals. Hence they may not be as supportive to let the health staff collect samples by dipping a thin stick into the throat or deep inside the nose. So, a very different approach is very necessary for kids.

What are the covid testing methods for kids?

Oral RT-PCR, or Salivary RT-PCR, and Gargle RT-PCR are the most effective methods to collect samples from children. Nasal swab collection and Rapid Antigen Test are other forms that can also be used.

What is the difference between a nasal swab and a nasopharyngeal swab? Why is the former suggested for children specifically?

The nasopharyngeal swab is the one that is collected from adults. Long and thin material is inserted deep into the nose through the nostril and pulled out. Though all this happens in less than a second, slight discomfort is experienced by people who go through it. Children may not allow this test as they don’t understand the whole process. Hence the sample collecting material is just wiped at the beginning of the nostril, not going deep inside and the sample collected is called as a nasal swab.

What is Gargle RT-PCR?

It is a method wherein a specific fluid (known as gargling solution) is given and the child is asked to gargle and spit it out. It can be used on kids above 7 years of age.

Are these new methods efficient? How good are they with accuracy?

All these methods are told to be as effective as the conventional methods. ICMR has approved gargle RT-PCR. The results from these tests are said to be as good as the others.

Are these methods used anywhere else?

Salivary RT-PCR is used in the US and France. Gargle RT-PCR is recently used in Pune and proven beneficial.

Do the medical staff need special training to do these tests?

It is always advised that testing on children is done by paediatric staff. However, when there is a shortage of skilled staff, it is advised that available staff is trained to collect samples from children.

Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here.