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Salivary Antibodies

Salivary Antibodies

The salivary antibody test is a non-invasive, cost-effective method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in saliva, offering a practical alternative to blood-based tests. This test is particularly advantageous for populations where blood draws are challenging, such as children and the elderly. By utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), the test identifies IgA and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 proteins, including the spike protein, receptor binding domain, and nucleocapsid protein. While the sensitivity of salivary tests may be lower than serum-based tests, advancements in machine learning have enhanced their diagnostic performance. Salivary IgA antibodies indicate mucosal immunity, while IgG antibodies reflect systemic immunity, providing insights into an individual's immune status. The test's non-invasive nature allows for easy sample collection in non-medical settings, making it ideal for mass screening and community surveillance. As research progresses, salivary antibody tests may expand to detect other respiratory infections, furthering our understanding of mucosal immunity and SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Price of test:£79

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £79

Awaiting result:

21 days

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The salivary antibody test is a non-invasive, cost-effective method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in saliva. It offers several advantages:

- Non-invasive collection: Ideal for children and the elderly.
- Community surveillance: Suitable for mass screening.
- High specificity: Particularly in younger age groups.
- Machine learning integration: Enhances diagnostic performance.

Despite lower sensitivity compared to serum tests, it remains a valuable tool for public health monitoring and understanding mucosal immunity. Future directions include expanding its use to other respiratory infections and improving accuracy through advanced methodologies.

Who Should Get Tested

The salivary antibody test is a non-invasive, cost-effective method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, ideal for populations where blood draws are challenging, such as children and the elderly. Key points include:

- Non-Invasive Collection: Saliva is easily obtainable, making it suitable for community surveillance.
- Antibody Detection: Identifies IgA and IgG antibodies, indicating current or past infections.
- Diagnostic Performance: While sensitivity is lower than serum tests, combining multiple tests improves accuracy.
- Mucosal Immunity: Highlights the role of local immune responses, especially in unvaccinated children.
- Applications: Useful for mass screening and home collection, enhancing participation in studies.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results from the salivary antibody test involves recognizing its strengths and limitations:

- Non-Invasive Collection: Saliva samples are easy to collect, making them ideal for children and the elderly.
- Antibody Detection: Identifies IgA and IgG antibodies, indicating current or past SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Sensitivity and Specificity: High specificity, especially in younger age groups, but sensitivity may vary.
- Diagnostic Performance: Machine learning enhances accuracy, improving detection of recent infections.
- Applications: Suitable for mass screening and community surveillance due to ease of collection and non-invasive nature.

Price of test:£79

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £79

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

Diagu's AI system represents a breakthrough in medical test analysis, employing state-of-the-art algorithms meticulously trained on a vast spectrum of authoritative medical literature and data. This system intricately analyses laboratory test results, extracting nuanced insights that might elude conventional methods. Our AI delves into complex interrelations between various health markers, offering a comprehensive understanding that supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The foundation of our AI's analytical prowess lies in its extensive training, encompassing data from globally recognised medical journals, trusted healthcare databases, and breakthrough scientific studies. This ensures that every analysis is grounded in the latest and most comprehensive medical knowledge.

Expert Doctor Confirmation

While our AI provides deep analytical insights, the human touch remains indispensable. Every AI-generated interpretation is meticulously reviewed by experienced medical professionals, ensuring a harmonious blend of advanced technology and expert clinical judgment. This dual-layer approach guarantees that the insights provided are not only technologically sophisticated but also clinically relevant. Our medical experts ensure that the AI's interpretations align with current medical standards and practices, adding a layer of validation that only seasoned healthcare professionals can provide. This process reinforces the reliability of the test results, offering peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.

Language Model and Trusted Sources

At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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