Spit or Swab? The Diagnostic Accuracy of Saliva-Based Testing as a Sars-Cov-2 Surveillance Tool

Background. Nasopharyngeal swab/oropharyngeal swab (NPS/OPS) qRT-PCR is the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2. However, it has its own limitations including cost and invasiveness. As an alternative, individual testing of saliva samples was validated shown to be comparable in sensitivity specificity with NP-OP qRT-PCR. To further maximize utility, researchers wish explore antigen pooled methods. Objective. The study aimed evaluate diagnostic accuracy SARS-CoV-2 infection using saliva-based rapid test compared Methodology. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, specimen from individuals aged 18 years old above outpatient collection station at Philippine Children’s Medical Center were tested individually (Mag-bind RNA Extraction Kit/MACURA, Allsheng Machine, Sansure PCR kit, MA-600 Biotech). Non-probability convenience sampling utilized. Based on results, pools five (5) specimens, which includes one (1) positive sample sensitivity. DNK-2150-1S Dynamiker Ag Rapid Test (Dynamiker Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China) also used specimens. . Out 196 73 detected have SARS-COV-2 by qRT-PCR, while remaining 123 negative. Compared tests done showed 46.58% (95% CI 35.13%, 58.02%), 86.18% 80.08%, 92.28%), negative predictive value 66.67% 53.71%, 79.60%) 73.10% 65.89%, 80.32%) respectively. results 62 98.39% 91.34%, 99.96%). Conclusion Recommendation. Pooled testing. use less sensitive specific consistent prior reports. Additional studies are recommended determine optimal conditions