Future of Diagnostics: Saliva Replaces Blood Tests

Saliva holds significant microbial information about the body, offering a less invasive alternative to blood samples for disease detection. Current tests can identify viruses like HIV and COVID-19, assess genetic risks for breast cancer, and are being developed for conditions such as diabetes and prostate cancer.

Experts anticipate broader availability of salivary diagnostic tests within a few years, enabling preventative healthcare. However, cost remains a barrier, with current home or dental tests ranging from $100 to $200 and often lacking insurance coverage. This financial aspect is crucial for patient adoption and for companies to invest in the rigorous FDA approval process.

While some companies, like Chicago-based OrisDX, are developing cancer detection tests with high reliability, they currently operate without FDA approval. The only FDA-approved saliva diagnostic tests to date are for HIV and COVID-19. This is expected to change as recent legislation requires Medicare to cover multicancer detection tests once they receive FDA approval.

This legislative change provides a significant financial incentive for companies to pursue FDA approval, potentially making saliva testing a more routine part of healthcare, including dental visits. These tests could serve as an early warning system, prompting further medical evaluation.

Despite the potential, challenges remain. Saliva's composition is dynamic, changing with eating, drinking, or smoking, making consistent analysis complex. Researchers are actively identifying reliable salivary markers across diverse populations. Although these tests can lower care barriers, especially for remote or elderly patients, they are intended to supplement, not replace, in-person medical and dental care.