Filenews 9 March 2021 - by Nikoleta Kourousi
The European Union is looking positively at the use of a rapid saliva sample test by the European Union, with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (EDCD) expected to reach its final recommendation to Member States within the next few weeks.
This antigen test, which has been approved by the UK authorities, is reportedly considered a very good option and is under review by the ECDC in order to issue relevant guidance.
It is noted that, according to information from Brussels, all Member States are interested in including it in the approved tests carried out for the detection of coronavirus and it is expected that in the next period it will be included in the list of recognised diagnoses.
The saliva sample test is undoubtedly more practical and user-friendly, but, as we are informed, some reliability issues arise e.g. we cannot be sure if someone has carried it out in the right way. There is still an issue as to how the positive results of these tests will be included in the daily notification of cases by the Member States, but the issue is expected to be resolved.
It should be noted that in our communication with the Ministry of Health we have been told by a competent person that there is no unanimous decision of the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee on the matter at this time, but the Ministry is expected to bring the matter back up for discussion.
As has also been mentioned to us by the Ministry, this type of examination is not currently being used en masse in any EU country, and not many independent studies have been carried out at present to confirm the degree of effectiveness that the manufacturer claims to have.
How to test an antigen with a saliva sample
The tester inserts saliva into a test tube to which the special solution/reagent is added by mixing it. Three drops of the mixture are then taken and placed in the special diagnostic case, waiting for the result within 15 minutes.
