Researchers from the New York University in Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed a new saliva test that is posed to have 100 times more sensitivity to COVID-19.
Dr. Youssef Idaghdour, an assistant professor of biology at NYUAD stated that the new test to overcome common issues on COVID-19 tests – asymptomatic individuals with low viral loads, and false negatives.
“This is the case in early stages of the infection, when the patient is asymptomatic, or when they are in the last stages of infection,” said Dr. Idaghdour who cited that false negatives take place due to lack of viral load in the sample, as per a report from Khaleej Times.
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The NYUAD saliva test, which has also been backed by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, uses the PCR test that’s modified to increase sensitivity to COVID-19.
“Most testing methods in the market use a one or two-step PCR method. Ours has a three-step methodology and uses a microfluidic device with a nano-technology solution. It is 100 times more sensitive than commonly used tests,” said Dr. Idaghdour.
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In addition to the increased accuracy of detecting COVID-19, saliva tests proves as a non-invasive and painless method to detect COVID-19.
However, individuals are advised not to eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke as these actions could compromise accurate readings.
