Aim:To indigenously prepare a chair-side test kit for investigating and comparing the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in patients with healthy periodontium, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis in smokers and nonsmokers. To validate the diagnostic accuracy of indigenously prepared chair-side test against enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, to assess the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the levels of MMP-8 in GCF and saliva among the test groups.Materials and Methods:GCF and saliva were collected from 250 subjects. The study population were divided into five groups; health periodontium-nonsmokers (Group 1; n = 50), chronic gingivitis-nonsmokers (Group 2; n = 50), chronic periodontitis-nonsmokers (Group 3; n = 50), chronic gingivitis-smokers (Group 4; n = 50), chronic periodontitis-smokers (Group 5; n = 50). A chair-side test kit was indigenously prepared using polyclonal antibodies (principle of immunochromatography) to detect the MMP-8 levels, and it was validated against ELISA at baseline and 3 months after NSPT.Results:The chair-side test detected MMP-8 levels with a sensitivity and specificity in accordance with ELISA. MMP-8 levels at baseline were higher in Group 2 and Group 3 as compared to controls (P < 0.05), and decreased after therapy (P < 0.05). MMP-8 levels in GCF were greater than in saliva for all the groups, indicating GCF to be a better sample to detect the MMP levels.Conclusion:The chair-side test detected MMP-8 levels accurately making it a viable chair side diagnostic tool. It was effective for early diagnosis of the periodontal disease among high-risk population such as smokers.

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