Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 5, 2021

Saliva is more sensitive than nasopharyngeal or nasal swabs for diagnosis of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 infection

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Saliva was found to be more sensitive for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 when compared to NP swab or self-administered nasal swab in a cohort of migrant workers in Singapore. Subjects who presented with acute respiratory infection, their asymptomatic roommates, and prior confirmed cases who were undergoing isolation at a community care facility underwent serial RT-PCR of saliva, self-administered nasal (SN), and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs using two separate probes. The percentage of test-positive saliva was higher than NP and SN swabs (62%, 45%, and 38% respectively). 

Teo et al. (Feb 4, 2021). Saliva is more sensitive than nasopharyngeal or nasal swabs for diagnosis of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 infection. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82787-z