Food for thought: Eating before saliva collection and interference with SARS-CoV-2 detection

BackgroundSaliva is an optimal specimen for detection of viruses that cause upper respiratory infections including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to its cost-effectiveness and non-invasive collection. However, together with intrinsic enzymes and oral microbiota, childrens unique dietary habits may introduce substances that interfere with diagnostic testing. MethodsTo determine... Show more