Joaquim Chaves Saúde | Covid-19 saliva tests

Laboratory tests to screen for infection by SARS-CoV-2 are crucial to suppress the spread of Covid-19, for people with symptoms of respiratory disease, asymptomatic individuals and/or recovering patients who may still be infectious.

The current standard technique for SARS-CoV-2 screening is the RT-PCR, which preferably uses specimens collected from the upper respiratory tract (nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swab). Collecting this type of specimen is often uncomfortable for the patient, especially in the case of children, people with nasal trauma or individuals who require repeated collections due to situations such as: radiation therapy treatment, chronic disease, top-level athletes, etc.

For these particular cases, saliva has proven to be the most suitable alternative specimen, since it can be collected in a non-invasive manner. The latest Covid-19 research shows that SARS-CoV-2 particles in saliva may result from the migration of infected cells in the upper and lower respiratory tract, or from infection of the oral cavity, especially the tongue. Various studies have demonstrated that saliva is a reliable biological sample for Covid-19 laboratory diagnosis.

Therefore, Joaquim Chaves Saúde has accompanied the latest developments in screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, offering saliva testing for Covid-19.

This RT-PCR test using saliva is available in all of our Collection Stations located nationwide, including the Azores Autonomous Region.