| Project Name | Saliva Sample Screening for SARS-CoV-2 |
| Faculty/Department | Department of Pathology, and the Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University |
| Background and Significance | In the process of diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus during its first wave, healthcare workers have been collecting nasopharyngeal and throat swab samples for testing. This method of testing, however, has high risk potential of virus contraction for all personnel involved in the process. In addition to the lack of adequate amounts of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the patient being tested will experience irritation and pain during the swab test. In preventing such risks, research from the Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases at Ramathibodi has found that salivary glands are receptors of SARS-CoV-2, with the discovery of the virus in the saliva of a patient upon intake. Furthermore, this project established the study of the use of saliva in the diagnosis of COVID-19. |
| Locale of Study | Thailand |
| Purpose | To make the screening and collection of samples of SARS-CoV-2 a process that is easy, safe, and affordable alongside the use of PPE, and lowering the risk of spread of infection upon sample collection. |
| Sponsorship | - |
| Related Departments | Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University |
| Department of Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University | |
| Faculty of Science, Mahidol University | |
| Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health | |
| Related Stakeholders | Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Faculty of Science Mahidol University; Ministry of Public Health; and the public. |
| Level of Cooperation | Nationwide |
| Project Results | It is now possible to screen patients with ease and efficiency, with access in all areas and locations, in order to bring a patient who has contracted the virus to appropriate care as soon as possible. This process will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and reduce infection for healthcare workers, as these tests can be done individually and at home. |
| Related Links | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1198743X20302780?via%... |
| https://www.hfocus.org/content/2020/04/19104 | |
| https://www.hfocus.org/content/2020/04/19103 | |
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG5yhhhG7yY | |
| Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 3, 17 |
