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A Novel Saliva Collection Method among Children and Infants: A Comparison Study between Oral Swab and Pacifier-based
1Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, Phone: +46 313438072,
Insights
A new pacifier-based saliva collection method is effective and preferred by parents for children and infants. This novel approach simplifies saliva testing and reduces collection time compared to traditional oral swabs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Biomarker Collection
Background:
- Saliva collection in children and infants is challenging.
- Existing methods like oral swabs can be time-consuming and less preferred by caregivers.
- Developing efficient and child-friendly collection techniques is crucial for pediatric diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel pacifier-based saliva collection method.
- To compare this new method with the traditional oral swab technique in pediatric patients.
- To assess healthcare professional time and parental preference for each method.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study was conducted in a pediatric emergency ward.
- Saliva was collected using both a pacifier-based system (Salivac®) and an oral swab (Salimetrics®).
- Collected saliva volume, collection time, and parental preference were recorded.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the volume of saliva collected between the two methods (174 µL vs. 158 µL).
- Pacifier-based collection took significantly less time for healthcare professionals (31 seconds vs. 150 seconds).
- A strong preference for the pacifier method was reported by 48 out of 52 caretakers.
Conclusions:
- The pacifier-based saliva collection method is feasible, effective, and well-appreciated in pediatric populations.
- This method simplifies saliva collection and testing for children and infants.
- The system's closed nature may reduce contamination risk and enable home-based testing strategies.
Aim:
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.
Materials And Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
Clinical Significance:
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.
