Saliva, a bodily fluid with recognized and potential diagnostic applications

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Human whole saliva is an easily obtainable bodily fluid via noninvasive techniques.
• Saliva comprises secretions from salivary glands and gingival crevicular fluid.
• It serves as a diagnostic fluid for steroids, hormones, therapeutic drugs, and drugs of abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the contributions to whole saliva.
• To illustrate collection, handling, and storage procedures for salivary specimens.
• To describe current and future diagnostic applications of saliva, including omics investigations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of saliva composition and diagnostic utility.
• Description of salivary specimen collection, handling, and storage protocols.
• Exploration of conventional and novel diagnostic techniques, including omics.

Main Results:

• Saliva is a relevant diagnostic fluid for numerous substances.
• Established procedures exist for saliva collection and handling.
• Omics investigations offer future diagnostic opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Saliva is a valuable diagnostic fluid for local and systemic diseases.
• Standardized collection and analysis are essential for reliable results.
• Future research should focus on advanced techniques like omics for enhanced diagnostics.