Covid: salivary tests in the laboratories of the Artemisia Lab network of clinical centers

In Rome, at the laboratories of the network of clinical centers Artemisia Lab, it is already possible to perform both the Rt-Pcr molecular salivary swab with Qr Code (automatic verification of the originality of the report) and the third generation antigenic salivary test. Following the circular of the Ministry of Health no. 0221675 of May 14, in fact, it is possible to carry out Covid tests also on saliva. As for nasopharyngeal swabs, also for salivary tests there are molecular type tests (which detect the presence of the virus RNA in the sample) and antigenic type (which detect viral proteins in the sample), for the latter it is recommended the use of third generation laboratory ones (Cleia method – Chemiluminescence). The collection of saliva, Artemisia Lab says in a note, is undoubtedly simpler and less invasive than the nasopharyngeal swab, however to obtain an adequate sample some precautions are necessary: ​​the saliva must be collected on an empty stomach, without having smoked , brushed teeth, drank, used chewing gum and preferably in the morning, if it is not possible to collect the saliva sample in the morning, it can be collected during the day no sooner than 30 minutes have passed after eating or drinking. Nasopharyngeal molecular swab still remains the reference exam and represents the international gold standard for the diagnosis of Covid-19 and the saliva sample can be considered an option for the detection of Sars-CoV-2 infection if this is not possible obtain nasopharyngeal swabs, for example for those who are repeatedly screened for work reasons, for the elderly and disabled, and is a useful monitoring tool sars-CoV-2 infection in children and schools. In case of symptoms, salivary tests must be performed within the first 5 days of the onset of symptoms.