Development of 'Oral Gargle' Sampling Method for Coronavirus Specimens

Chonnam National University Startup Company Bio3S Co., Ltd.

Reduces Pain and Discomfort Compared to 'Nasal Swabs'

Photo of coronavirus gargle sample collection. Photo by Jeonnam National University

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] A startup company within Chonnam National University has developed a 'oral gargle method' that can collect coronavirus specimens painlessly and has attracted attention by releasing related products.

According to Chonnam National University on the 17th, Bio3S Co., Ltd., a startup company within the university (CEO Professor Kim Doo-woon, Department of Food Engineering), utilized a specific component of sword bean that binds to the virus and effectively detaches viruses strongly attached to the skin surface, developing a new collection method that can collect a high concentration of viruses in the mouth through gargling.

They also launched a related product called 'Bin Guard Gargle' and started commercial sales.

The 'oral gargle' not only eliminates the pain and discomfort experienced by test subjects when swabs are inserted deep into the nose to collect specimens, but also, when applied to antigen diagnostic kit tests, can greatly increase sensitivity, which is expected to significantly help speed up diagnosis and reduce costs.

In fact, clinical trial results by Professor Kim Dal-sik's team (Department of Laboratory Medicine) at Jeonbuk National University Hospital showed that the oral gargle can collect a high concentration of viruses in the mouth, potentially replacing the nasopharyngeal swab (NPS)-PCR method, and demonstrated sensitivity up to 97.8%, higher than existing rapid antigen tests using saliva specimens.

CEO Kim Doo-woon said, "The oral gargle meets the public demand for non-invasive diagnostic tests using saliva instead of swab tests, and it will not only satisfy this need but also enhance early diagnosis and the efficiency of antigen diagnostic kits."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.