For SARS-CoV-2 Detection, Saliva Performed as Well as Nasopharyngeal Swabs

Systemic review and meta-analysis showed that NAAT had >80% sensitivity for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples.

Assessing nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs with nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is considered the gold standard for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but proper sample collection requires trained personnel and is uncomfortable. Saliva, by contrast, is easily self-collected. In a meta-analysis and systemic review, researchers evaluated NAAT testing of saliva versus NP swab specimens. Sixteen studies were included; of these, 10 exclusively tested outpatients and 2 involved population screenings in which participants were not required to show symptoms of COVID-19.

In all, 5922 subjects underwent NAAT testing of saliva and NP swabs; 4981 had negative tests for both samples and 941 had positive tests for one or both samples. The pooled sensitivity and spe…

Reviewing Author

Daniel Kaul, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNobelpharma; Pfizer

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Transplantation (Program Committee)

Daniel Kaul, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNobelpharma; Pfizer

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Transplantation (Program Committee)

For SARS-CoV-2 Detection, Saliva Performed as Well as Nasopharyngeal Swabs

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Reviewing Author