GeNose, a new invention result from UGM researchers, had helped a lot in tracing Covid-19 cases. Some institutions have used this tool to trace Covid-19 cases. However, there are some terms and conditions (T&C) in which people should comply to conduct the GeNose test during Ramadan. Dr. Dian Kesumapramudya, Sp.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., as GeNose's researcher, appealed that this tool can still be used during Ramadan with some required conditions to maintain GeNose accuracy result.
"People are recommended to better conduct GeNose tests in the morning," she said on Monday (12/4) in GeNose Gathering Media in Welcoming Ramadan 1442 H located in Science Techno Park (STP) UGM, Purwomartani, Sleman.
She urged people to conduct a GeNose test early in the morning, approximately 6 hours maximum after sahur. More than that, it is worried that there will be too much acid in the stomach that will affect the GeNose test result.
"This high stomach acid actually can be cured by gurgling. But to prevent the worst case, you are recommended to conduct the test no more than 6 hours after sahur," Dian explained.
Dr. Mohamad Saifuddin Hakim, M.Sc., Ph.D., as a member of the GeNose C19 researcher, also added that besides a maximum of 6 hours after sahur, it was alright to conduct the GeNose test when iftar time.
"Besides conducting the test in the morning, you can also conduct it one hour after eating iftar," he added.
On the regular days, to increase the GeNose test result accuracy is by neutralizing their mouth conditions without eating or drinking any food or beverage with specific smells. Besides, people are not allowed to smoke from 30 up to 60 minutes before the test.
External Validation Process
Before it was released as national Covid-19 handling, GeNose requires external validation. It is a diagnostic observation conducted independently by other teams. Some researchers involved in this external validation observation are Universitas Indonesia, Airlangga University, and Andalas University.
"Later, when the result from this external validation has consistent accuracy, GeNose is likely to be next proposed to the Ministry of Health for its broader use in some health clinics," she said.
Several stations and airports in Indonesia have used this tool as the screening requirements for the passengers. To be specific, there are 44 stations and four airports in Medan, Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.
Author: Ika
Photo: Firsto