Saliva: An Economic and Reliable Alternative for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Means of RT-qPCR

The current pandemic has generated the search for new reliable and economic alternatives detection of SARS-CoV-2, which produces COVID-19 disease, one recommendations by World Health Organization, is virus RT-qPCR methods from upper respiratory tract samples. discomfort pharyngeal nasopharyngeal swab described patients, requirement trained personnel, generation aerosols, are factors that increase risk infections in this type intake. It known main means transmission SARS-CoV-2 through aerosols or small droplets, why saliva important as a relevant detecting COVID-19. In study, modified method based on RNA release described, avoiding isolation purification genetic material its quantification viral copies; results compared with paired pharyngeal/nasopharyngeal samples (EF/EN). Results showed good agreement to EF/EN On average, sensitivity 80% was demonstrated competing use alternative RT-PCR first days infection, having advantages over conventional method. Saliva still needs be studied completely evaluate capacity nucleic acid, however, process viable, due decrease materials supplies, times, increment sampling improvement laboratory performance.