KUALA LUMPUR – Deep-throat saliva samples will be used to detect Covid-19, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
In a statement today, he said this sampling method is safe and non-invasive compared to the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab tests currently carried out.
He said the samples can be self-collected, and will help reduce the need for personal protective equipment.
“The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has carried out assessments on this method and found that it is suitable for use in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
“IMR is currently conducting assessments for the method to be used in the RTK antigen (RTK Ag) tests.”
He said testing for the coronavirus using saliva samples has been done in other countries, and has proven to be cheaper and one of the most consistent methods to collect samples.
The Health Ministry will start using this method at hospitals before expanding to other facilities. – The Vibes, February 18, 2021
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