Is saliva finally living up to the hype?
It sure seems that way, especially with the growing number of articles focusing on this biofluid and forecasts suggesting a boom in the salivary diagnostics market.
There’s a clear demand for non-invasive diagnostic methods, and saliva checks all the boxes: it’s easy to collect, pain-free, poses a lower infection risk, and is cost-effective. Plus, it can boost patient compliance, which is key for kids and older adults.
Technology advancements are also playing a crucial role. Collection tools have come a long way, with new devices that enhance sample preservation and stability. We’re seeing better integration with point-of-care testing systems and more standardised collection methods for dependable testing.
New healthcare uses for saliva are appearing across numerous sectors. Companies are innovating with products for Infectious Disease Testing (COVID-19, flu, HPV, and HIV), Genomic Testing (DNA analysis for ancestry and genetic risks), Hormone Analysis (pregnancy testing, monitoring cortisol, testosterone, and oestrogen), Drug Analysis (for both therapeutic uses and substance abuse), Cancer Screening (early detection of key biomarkers), and even Stress Biomarker Monitoring related to mental health.
At the same time, research and development efforts are identifying new salivary biomarkers. A lot of academic and industry partnerships are investigating new applications, looking into the links between salivary and blood biomarkers, developing reference ranges, and pushing forward with an increasing number of clinical studies focused on saliva-based diagnostics.
But there are still hurdles ahead. Regulatory requirements for diagnostics can vary across regions, and there’s a significant need for thorough clinical validation. The lack of standardised collection methods and the need for effective quality control for self-collected samples present additional challenges. On the technical side, issues like the lower concentration of certain biomarkers in saliva compared to blood, potential sample degradation, variability in sample makeup, and the risk of contamination all need new solutions.
Thankfully, recent breakthroughs in high-sensitivity analytical techniques have made it possible to detect analytes that were previously beyond reach. This has opened doors to studying components of saliva that were once off the table, such as salivary extracellular vesicles and biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. Exciting research opportunities are on the horizon.
So, what about the ‘Yuck’ factor? While we celebrate the benefits of saliva testing, we can’t ignore the negative associations people might have with saliva collection. Some find the idea of ‘spitting’ or ‘drooling’ into a tube unappealing, maybe even gross. I’ve come to call this the ‘Yuck’ factor. It doesn’t help that articles and presentations that promote saliva as the ‘biofluid’ of choice are often accompanied by unflattering images of people spitting into tubes while using the word ‘spit.’ Yuck, indeed!
The good news is that saliva can be collected safely without needing to spit. By tackling the ‘Yuck’ factor and the discomfort of blood draws, we might finally unlock the full potential of this intriguing biofluid.
Dale Athey, MBA, PhD is an experienced entrepreneur with extensive global leadership experience in Health & Life Sciences. He is co-founder and executive at Salvivo Limited. Contact: dale.athey@salvivo.com