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Corona saliva tests: SARS-CoV-2 easily detected by saliva sample

Covid-19 rapid tests are one of the most important tools in the fight against the pandemic. But the tests are considered inconvenient and require well-trained personnel. With the new "corona saliva tests," a much more convenient alternative is now available: All that is needed for Covid-19 detection is a saliva sample, not a nasopharyngeal swab. This makes the tests even easier and gentler to use.

Advantages and areas of application

Compared to a nasopharyngeal swab, the collection of saliva is neither difficult nor painful. This makes the novel saliva test kits particularly suitable for children and adolescents, the elderly or people with disabilities. Saliva tests are also a great relief for screening employees, as the unpleasant scratching with the swab is no longer necessary. This increases acceptance among the workforce for regular testing.

Another advantage is that even laypersons can perform a Covid 19 saliva test independently. Unlike a nasopharyngeal swab, medical personnel are not necessarily required. A laboratory infrastructure is also not normally required for the evaluation of the saliva samples.

Covid 19 saliva tests offer the chance to detect infected persons more quickly and thus break chains of infection at an early stage. They are useful wherever large groups of people regularly come together. In particular, the novel Covid 19 saliva tests are suitable for

• Clinics, doctors' offices and other medical facilities
• Nursing homes
• Schools and daycare centers
• Cultural institutions such as cinemas, theaters, museums
• all companies and organizations in which employees are to be tested regularly

Types of SARS-CoV-2 saliva tests

Coronavirus can be detected in various ways. How the sample is taken - by nasopharyngeal swab or saliva sample - is basically irrelevant. The following types of SARS-CoV-2 saliva tests are currently available on the market:

Antigen rapid test

The corona saliva tests currently available are predominantly rapid antigen tests. These do not require medical personnel or a laboratory.

Antigen tests detect the coronavirus using protein molecules that are typical of the pathogen. They function similarly to commercially available pregnancy tests. The sample material is mixed with a chemical reagent and then applied to a test strip. The result can be read visually after about 15 to 30 minutes.

Rapid antigen tests are easy to use and do not take long. This makes them well suited for serial testing of employees, patients, clients or visitors. It should be noted that the result is not as reliable as that of laboratory tests. Particularly in infected persons who carry few viruses, the antigen test sometimes fails.

PCR laboratory test

PCR tests are considered the gold standard in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. In contrast to the antigen test, this does not search for proteins, but for genetic material (RNA) of the corona virus. In order to detect the viral RNA, the sample material must be multiplied under laboratory conditions in several cycles at varying temperatures.

PCR tests also work with saliva samples, not only with nasopharyngeal swabs. However, PCR saliva tests can only be evaluated in the laboratory. Their advantage over standard tests is that laypersons can take the sample material themselves. The unpleasant swabbing of the nasal or pharyngeal cavity is no longer necessary.

RT-LAMP rapid test

In this novel rapid test method, the genetic material of the corona virus is detected - just like in a PCR test. A special method is used to propagate the genetic material, which works at a constant temperature and does not require a laboratory. The saliva sample is heated to 65 °C in an incubator and then mixed with chemical reagents. These indicate the result by a color change. The rapid test therefore does not require a medical laboratory.

Corona saliva test: criteria when buying

Rapid tests are only useful if they are safe, reliable and easy to use. The following manufacturer's specifications are important:

Sensitivity

Sensitivity refers to how reliably the test detects infected individuals as such. A rapid antigen test is generally somewhat less sensitive than a PCR laboratory test. Values above 90 percent are desirable - whether saliva test or "conventional" rapid antigen test.

Specificity

Specificity expresses how reliably healthy persons are identified as such. A specificity of more than 99 percent is good. With a lower specificity, the rapid test produces a relatively large number of "false-positive" results.

Eligibility for reimbursement

Physicians and medical facilities can bill for SARS-CoV-2 tests under the statutory health insurance scheme. To do so, the tests must meet certain minimum criteria. The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) maintains a list of reimbursable Covid 19 rapid tests. This list is, of course, continuously updated so that the new "saliva test" systems can also be billed if they are of appropriate quality.

Storage conditions

Normally, SARS-CoV-19 rapid tests have no special storage requirements. They are stable at room temperature and do not require refrigeration.

What to consider when using a saliva test

Compared to a nasopharyngeal swab, the collection of saliva samples is very simple and not very error-prone: usually, the test person simply spits into a small container for this purpose. Some test systems also work with a tube or swab that is placed under the tongue for some time to collect the saliva.

To obtain a reliable result, it is usually recommended not to smoke, eat or drink, or chew gum for half an hour before the test. Detailed instructions for sample collection and evaluation can be found in the supplied instructions for use.

Buy Certified SARS CoV-2 Saliva Test Kits Online Now

In addition to conventional SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests, we now also offer the novel Corona saliva tests in our online store. All products are certified according to the applicable legal standards and therefore offer a high level of safety.

In accordance with current medical developments, we are constantly adding to our product range. We will be happy to inform you promptly about new products and other benefits! Simply register on our portal and you will regularly receive a newsletter all important information to your mailbox.