Salivary tests authorized: here’s when they can be used

There is the go-ahead from the Ministry of Health. THE salivary tests they can be used to detect Covid infection in place of current oro-nasopharyngeal swabs. The tests will all have the same value and will be counted in the sums of the swabs performed. There are limitations and indications, but they are authorized as alternatives: they should preferably be used within the first 5 days of the onset of symptoms.

Saliva tests can then be used “for the detection of infection in asymptomatic individuals undergoing repeated screening for professional or other reasons, to increase the acceptability of repeated tests, in particular, if very elderly or disabled individuals are screened, in case of a lack of tampons ».

“The use of saliva for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection involves a non-invasive method of collection, however correct collection of the salivary sample is a crucial step. Saliva samples can be heterogeneous (oral saliva, posterior oropharyngeal saliva) and the different techniques and collection sites can have an impact on the sensitivity of the method, ”says the circular. Some studies have found sensitivities ranging from 53 to 73%.

This form of salivary swab is also valid for obtaining the green certification which is used to move between regions of different colors and to participate in events where testing is required, such as sports competitions. However, it has no value as a European pass.

However, the most important use should be the level one school, for a possible mass screening and for the elderly because it is less annoying than the nasal one. It should also be used for entry into the RSA. As for the school, Undersecretary for Education Rossano Sasso told theAnsa who will put the topic to Minister Bianchi given the usefulness of salivary tests already for the eighth grade and high school exams.