Saliva as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an emerging illness that has rapidly spread across the globe. First identified in late December 2019, this new strain had not previously been detected in humans. The novel coronavirus isolated by researchers was subsequently named the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). COVID-19 can be diagnosed through various methods, with RT-PCR being the gold standard for these tests. The most common sampling techniques involve swabs from the nose, throat, or mouth. Saliva, a critical biological fluid containing several diagnostic biomarkers, plays an important role in detecting SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Its use offers numerous benefits and helps researchers better distinguish between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.