GeNose, an innovation by 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, as GeNose’s researcher, explained that this tool can still be used during Ramadan with some required conditions to maintain GeNose accuracy result.
“We recommend conducting 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 suhoor. IF the test is carried out more than 6 hours after suhoor, it is feared that there will be an increase in stomach acid. This condition will affect the GeNose test result.
“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 suhoor,” Dian explained.
Dr. Mohamad Saifuddin Hakim, as a member of the GeNose C19 researcher, also added that besides a maximum of 6 hours after suhoor, it was alright to conduct the GeNose test during iftar.
“Besides conducting the test in the morning, you can also conduct it one hour after having iftar meals,” he added.
On 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 being 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 passengers. To be specific, there are 44 stations and four airports in Medan, Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.
Source: https://www.ugm.ac.id/id/berita/20989-syarat-tes-genose-saat-jalani-puasa-ramadan
