Advancing Point-of-Care (PoC) Testing Using Human Saliva as Liquid Biopsy

Diagnostics (Basel). 2017 Jul 4;7(3):39. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics7030039.

Abstract

Salivary diagnostics is an emerging field for the encroachment of point of care technology (PoCT). The necessity of the development of point-of-care (PoC) technology, the potential of saliva, identification and validation of biomarkers through salivary diagnostic toolboxes, and a broad overview of emerging technologies is discussed in this review. Furthermore, novel advanced techniques incorporated in devices for the early detection and diagnosis of several oral and systemic diseases in a non-invasive, easily-monitored, less time consuming, and in a personalised way is explicated. The latest technology detection systems and clinical utilities of saliva as a liquid biopsy, electric field-induced release and measurement (EFIRM), biosensors, smartphone technology, microfluidics, paper-based technology, and how their futuristic perspectives can improve salivary diagnostics and reduce hospital stays by replacing it with chairside screening is also highlighted.

Keywords: biomarkers; diagnostic toolboxes; diseases; saliva; the point of care.

Publication types

  • Review