A Novel Saliva Collection Method among Children and Infants: A Comparison Study between Oral Swab and Pacifier-based Saliva Collection

Abstract

This study aims to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel pacifier-based saliva collection method on children and infants in comparison to an oral swab-based saliva collection method. This study was performed during spring 2018 in a clinical non-sponsored setting at Queen Silvia Children's Hospital pediatric emergency ward. Saliva collection was performed by comparing oral swab (Salimetrics® SalivaBio's Children's Swab) with a pacifier-based saliva collection method (Salivac®). All participating children used both saliva collection systems. The amount of saliva collected in 2 minutes was measured. The amount of time needed for the healthcare professional was recorded. Parental preference was evaluated by a questionnaire. No statistically significant difference was observed in collected saliva (174 µL for pacifier-based saliva collection and 158 µL for oral swab). The healthcare professional spent significantly less (p < 0.001) mean time with the pacifier-based saliva collection method than with the oral swab (31 vs 150 sec). A total of 48 out of the 52 caretakers preferred the pacifier-based saliva collection method compared to the oral swab. The novel pacifier-based saliva collection method proved to be a feasible, appreciated, and effective way of collecting saliva that simplifies the saliva collection method among children and infants. The pacifier-based saliva collection method simplifies saliva testing. The closed vacutainer system minimizes the risk of saliva contamination and opens up for novel home testing strategies.