ICMR is actively exploring saliva test option for Covid-19, says Harsh Vardhan© hindustantimes.com

ICMR is actively exploring saliva test option for Covid-19, says Harsh Vardhan

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Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is actively exploring a saliva-based test for COVID-19, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said here on Sunday, adding that there has been no significant mutation in SARS-CoV-2 in India.

Speaking during his social media interaction, Sunday Samvaad, the Minister said, “On the recent saliva-based test for COVID-19, the ICMR has validated a few tests but no reliable test has been found and companies with tests approved by U.S.-FDA have still not approached the Government of India. ICMR is actively exploring this test method and will inform as soon as reliable options are available.”

On mutation in the virus, Dr. Harsh Vardhan assured that “no significant or drastic mutations have been found in strains of SARS-CoV-2 in India till now”.