The new system of saliva test is being developed at the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, the announcement by Department of Disease Control director-general Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoen, Department of Medical Science director-general Dr Opas Kankawinpong and the institute’s chief said. 
They added saliva test is accepted in several countries, and is a cheap, consistent method of collecting samples. Also, it is a safer method and medics do not need to use personal protective equipment, they said. 
The Public Health Ministry will use saliva tests for asymptomatic persons in slums and at border checkpoints. 
However, patients under investigation (PUI) will still have to undergo more detailed tests.

Saliva tests found to be effective for Covid-19

Ramathibodi Hospital has learned tests on suspected persons’ saliva for Covid-19 is as precise as tests using secretions from the nose or throat, public health officials announced on Friday (April 24).