Using saliva to test for Covid-19 has been found to be almost as accurate as the current PCR test of a nose and throat swab. The results revealed that 94% of the positive nose and throat swabs also tested positive on the saliva test, while 96% of negative samples also tested negative on the saliva test. The results indicate that the use of saliva to test for Covid-19 "represents a valid and accurate and less invasive alternative" to the standard nasal and throat PCR test. “The saliva sample to test for COVID-19 can be easily collected by the person themselves so has the potential to increase compliance with screening, particularly those who require frequent repeated testing. SalivaDirect was developed by the Yale School of Public Health and has been authorised for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Source: Irish Examiner September 08, 2021 09:31 UTC