1. < Infectious Diseases

Covid saliva tests

Posted by tiggyboo @tiggyboo, Mar 7, 2022

Is there a compelling reason why Mayo doesn't offer Covid saliva and/or Oropharyngeal tests? Our family's experience with testing, both Nasopharyngeal and Anterior Nares, vary drastically in terms of discomfort from provider to provider. I.e., my daughter tolerated one Nasopharyngeal procedure without an issue, but was left crying with a running nose for hours after the less invasive Anterior Nares procedure. Is there a reason the less invasive testing options like the saliva test aren't recognized for things like dental appointments?

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ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Mar 7, 2022

@tiggyboo, Hello. I've had multiple procedures and tests therefore also multiple covid tests. After sinus surgery last year, I was scheduled to visit the sinus surgeon for follow-up and required, as is always the case, to have a covid test...number 17, I think. I said I would not have the nasal test. If it was required to see the surgeon, I just wouldn't see the surgeon again.

Now, I don't recommend this for most folks, but for me, at that time it was necessary for my sanity.

The surgeon was quite good, She calmly thought a moment, was quiet and then suggested I have a saliva test instead. We agreed and left as friends. She ordered the saliva test and I now only have saliva, no nasal swabs. It may be a more difficult test, more costly, less effective...I don't know and frankly, at this point, don't care. But, no more nasal tests for me .

Mayo was there with testing for us before and more easily than any other place in our city. I'm so thankful for them. But, there are other options at times as to the testing.

Be well, Stay safe, Be blessed. elizabeth

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1 reply
tiggyboo | @tiggyboo | Mar 7, 2022
In reply to @ess77 "@tiggyboo, Hello. I've had multiple procedures and tests therefore also multiple covid tests. After sinus surgery..." + (show)
@ess77

@tiggyboo, Hello. I've had multiple procedures and tests therefore also multiple covid tests. After sinus surgery last year, I was scheduled to visit the sinus surgeon for follow-up and required, as is always the case, to have a covid test...number 17, I think. I said I would not have the nasal test. If it was required to see the surgeon, I just wouldn't see the surgeon again.

Now, I don't recommend this for most folks, but for me, at that time it was necessary for my sanity.

The surgeon was quite good, She calmly thought a moment, was quiet and then suggested I have a saliva test instead. We agreed and left as friends. She ordered the saliva test and I now only have saliva, no nasal swabs. It may be a more difficult test, more costly, less effective...I don't know and frankly, at this point, don't care. But, no more nasal tests for me .

Mayo was there with testing for us before and more easily than any other place in our city. I'm so thankful for them. But, there are other options at times as to the testing.

Be well, Stay safe, Be blessed. elizabeth

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Thanks for the feedback, Elizabeth. From everything I've read the saliva test is actually more sensitive, and the main drawback is just availability. Anyone out there with more informed clinical knowledge please correct me if I'm wrong. Mayo orthodontics told us saliva testing wasn't an option - but I haven't given up hope yet :-).

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