RESUMEN
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and the consequent COVID-19 disease rolled over the globe sweeping human lives and national health systems. Early diagnosis plays an important role in stopping its further escalation. Saliva as a Diagnostic Tool: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold standard in the diag- nosis of COVID-19 disease. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs are the recommended specimen types for identification of viral RNA. However, false negative results may occur due to inadequate or improper oropharyngeal sampling. Saliva, as a prom- ising alternative, circumvents the limitations associated with the use of nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs and lessens the exposure risk of health care professionals. Salivaomics or salivary diagnostics includes the study of salivary proteins, salivary RNAs, salivary metabolites, salivary microR- NAs and salivary microbiota. Saliva sample collection is easy, non-invasive and more acceptable for repeat testing and can be performed by non-healthcare professionals or even be self-sampled. Recent studies suggest that the sensitivity of saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection methods seem to be comparable to or better than that of nasopharyngeal swabs. Conclusion: This paper reviews the role of saliva in the diagnosis of covid-19 infection, with special emphasis on its advantages, limitations and clinical implications.
RESUMEN
Salivary diagnostics is a cost effective, minimally invasive procedure. This bio-fluid can be easily collected, transported and stored. There are a variety of conditions where saliva can be used as a diagnostic tool such as measurement of stress, enzyme levels, developmental disease biomarkers and cancer mutations. A number of studies have focused their attention on the assessment and monitoring of oncologic biomarkers in saliva. Modern techniques, chemicals and various equipment have made laboratory investigations of saliva easy and precise. Its clinical applications and analysis has made salivary diagnostics a useful tool in the field of Medicine and Dentistry. The methodology for diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases has been a subject of study by several researchers with the aim of increasing its use as a diagnostic tool.