SALIVA AS A FEASIBLE OPTION TO THROAT AND NASAL SWABS FOR SARS-COVID-2-RNA STABILITY AND DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Background: Currently, the most effective and extensively used method for definitive COVID-19 diagnosis is RTPCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) using a nose and throat swab (NTS). Due to a scarcity of accessible gargle liquid, other sampling procedures such as gargle lavage have had limited use and efficacy.