Can a saliva test replace the current corona test?

In mid-August 2020, there were many calls in the press to replace the current corona test, which uses a nasal swab, with a saliva test.

The person being tested must deposit saliva in a jar. This saliva test can be used more widely, including in children, and does not require medical personnel to administer the test. There are still a number of problems that need to be solved before the test can be generalized. The way the test is stored and transported must be carefully monitored to avoid false negative test results.

Moreover, it is not yet clear how many people who are infected will still test negative (i.e. false negatives). Nor do we know with certainty how many people who are not infected with COVID-19 will still test positive (false positives). Especially in the winter period when many other viruses such as flu and cold viruses are circulating, this can lead to many false positive tests.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2021-12-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024