New Saliva-Based Antigen Rapid Testing Technology Developed by Singapore Scientists

A new type of saliva-based Antigen Rapid Testing (ART) technology to diagnose COVID-19 has been developed by scientists in Singapore, co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore.

People line up outside a quick test center to take their COVID-19 antigen rapid tests, in Singapore on Sept. 21, 2021. Edgar Su/Reuters

A new type of saliva-based Antigen Rapid Testing (ART) technology to diagnose COVID-19 has been developed by scientists in Singapore, co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore.

Called the Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test (PASPORT), it allows individuals to self-administer the test with a sensitivity higher than existing nasal swab ART tests and close to that of laboratory-based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.

Breakthrough COVID-19 Testing Technology

The new technology produces results within minutes, and can be done at home or at a point-of-care, for example, at airports. It is also done without the need for additional equipment or trained personnel.