What conditions can be detected through salivary diagnostics?
Salivary diagnostics can detect various conditions, including hormonal imbalances, viral infections (like HIV and COVID-19), cancer markers, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. It can also monitor drug use and stress levels by analyzing biomarkers found in saliva.
How accurate are salivary diagnostics compared to traditional blood tests?
Salivary diagnostics can be accurate for certain biomarkers, offering a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. However, accuracy varies depending on the specific condition or biomarker measured; for some diseases, saliva may not yet provide the same level of sensitivity and specificity as blood tests.
How does salivary diagnostics work?
Salivary diagnostics works by collecting and analyzing saliva to detect biomarkers associated with diseases or conditions. It leverages the fact that saliva contains proteins, DNA, RNA, and metabolites reflective of systemic health, making it a non-invasive tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases.
What are the advantages of salivary diagnostics over other testing methods?
Salivary diagnostics offer non-invasive, easy, and cost-effective sampling, reducing discomfort and risk of infection. They facilitate frequent monitoring and early detection of diseases. Saliva collection is simple, stress-free for patients including children or elderly, and can be done outside clinical settings. Furthermore, it contains biomarkers for various conditions, enabling diverse diagnostic applications.
What types of tests or markers can be included in salivary diagnostics?
Salivary diagnostics can include tests for hormonal assays (e.g., cortisol, testosterone), infectious agents (e.g., HIV, hepatitis), genetic material (e.g., DNA for genomic analysis), biomarkers for systemic diseases (e.g., glucose for diabetes), and protein markers for oral health conditions (e.g., enzymes, antibodies).