Try cheaper COVID-19 testing methods

THE EDITOR, Madam:

We have now reached a point where our economy is at a critical phase. Resources have been allocated for the enhancement of the COVID-19 testing, which requires a lot.

The current collection methodology includes a nasopharyngeal swab which is invasive and very uncomfortable. But what if there are other options? Wouldn’t it be best to explore?

Recent studies have shown that the saliva samples have proven to be more sensitive in determining the presence of the COVID-19. According to the findings, healthcare professionals who had been tested using the nasopharyngeal swab were negative, but testing using saliva affirmed a positive result.

Herein lies a predicament. We could be using this collection protocol and getting false negative results, sending out persons who are asymptomatic, who could be spreading the infection, making this pandemic harder to control.

Using the saliva instead gives an alternate means of collection, which also limits the amount of equipment needed. Sample cups for saliva collection can be reused and collection protocols are not in any way invasive, giving us a more sensitive, less tedious and painless alternative.

It is completely understandable that with this virus being novel, advancement of the information is quite crucial and necessary, and we must act on it as they come.

ANTON IRVING