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No more smears? Saliva sample for COVID-19 test with eyes
(Philstar.com) – Oct 21, 2020 – 10:06 am
MANILA, Philippines – Getting checked yourself for SARS-CoV-2 is not the most pleasant experience despite relief from a negative result.
The RT-PCR test, recognized as the most credible process to verify the presence of coronavirus in patients, is based on rubbing the nasopharyngeal part that connects the nasal cavity and the palate. The swab method causes discomfort to people and poses a slight risk to healthcare workers administering the test.
However, recent developments may allow saliva samples for RT-PCR testing.
In a limited study citing nine clinical surveys published in July in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, three Iranian researchers found that the use of self-collected saliva as a non-invasive sample is as accurate and reliable in detecting SARS-CoV- 2 using the RT-PCR Technique.
If the health authorities demonstrate its effectiveness and validate it, an RT-PCR extraction machine will no longer be necessary. The process is also less invasive and can help overcome the reluctance of some Filipinos to get tested.
Presidential Advisor for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepción, who has been supporting innovation testing in other countries, said at a recent press conference that he is looking to support a study exploring the use of saliva for testing.
“If that research shows that saliva is as sensitive or even more sensitive than swab tests, then that would be a game changer,” he said.
There are ongoing clinical studies exploring the feasibility of saliva samples as a low-cost alternative to conventional swab-based molecular tests.
Concepción’s team also said that a new method also has the potential to reduce the cost of RT-PCT testing by eliminating the smear. You can also expand the use of molecular testing where healthcare resources are limited.
“The direction is to make tests faster, cheaper and more convenient for people,” Concepción said.
“Whatever innovation comes up, we don’t close the doors … They are good signs that we are really moving for innovation, for speed. That is the only way we can safely open the economy,” he added .
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