The COVID “gargle test” has been given the green light for kids in Nova Scotia.
British Columbia began administering tests to kids age 4-19 a few weeks ago, they were the first in Canada. The Gargle COVID Test for kids will be available at the IWK starting October 7 as a pilot. If it is deemed a success, it will be rolled out to other testing sites.
The Gargle COVID-19 test is done by swishing and gargling sterile salt water and spitting it into a tube. Most kids can do the mouth rinse and gargle sample test. The nose swab test will still be used for younger children or those who may not be able to follow the swish, gargle and spit instructions. Either test will accurately detect COVID-19.
In addition, we can now do a COVID assessment online to determine if a test is required rather than calling 811. The Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness says it will reduce the wait time to be screened for testing from 12 hours to about 10 minutes.
