Human saliva as an effective sample for the detection of COVID-19

Abstract

In the oral cavity of the human body, there are three major salivary glands; parotid, submandibular, and sublingual as well as 300 to 400 minor salivary glands, all of which secret saliva. Saliva consists of proteins, hormones, antibodies and other molecular compounds that are typically measured in a routine blood test. Therefore, saliva is considered as a diagnostic window for the detection of various diseases, such as oral cancer, periodontal diseases, and COVID-19 [1,2]. This brief letter focused on the detection of COVID-19 using saliva samples as a form of liquid biopsy via point-of-care technology.