A coronavirus test control in a laboratory.

Drawing.

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Yasushi Wada - AP - Sipa

A new step has just been taken in Canada in screening for the coronavirus.

The state of British Columbia has authorized a test in the form of a mouthwash, reports CNN, relayed by

HuffPost

.

This new screening method is reserved for people aged 4 to 19.

"It's a new saline gargle where you put a little bit of normal saline, so sterile water, in your mouth and swirl it around a bit and spit it out into a little tube," CNN told CNN. Doctor Henry, responsible for health in British Columbia.

Less intrusive and less painful than a nasal sample, this new test represents a more pleasant solution for children.

BC approves a less invasive swish, gargle and spit COVID-19 test for kids - @CBCSusana shows us how it works: pic.twitter.com/5UPkjdkIW4

- CBC News: The National (@CBCTheNational) September 18, 2020

Soon for adults?

In the hours preceding the test, it is not recommended to drink, eat, chew gum or brush your teeth.

The saline solution should be kept in the mouth for at least thirty seconds.

According to health authorities, this new type of screening is as reliable as the PCR test.

The results of the two methods used on children and adults have been compared and appear to be very similar.

For the moment reserved for children and adolescents, this mouthwash test could be accessible to adults.

In any case, this is the wish of the health authorities.

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  • Health

  • Canada

  • Child

  • Coronavirus

  • Screening