Biomarker

Today’s molecular biological techniques allow for the detection of nucleic acids from various examination materials. DNA and RNA have proven to be highly stable in the saliva collected and preserved with the system. This enables early detection of oral cancer, for example. The direct detection of viral or bacterial pathogens opens up new, straightforward screening opportunities with regards to viral or bacterial infectious diseases.

The determination of steroid hormones, e.g. cortisol, progesterone, or testosterone as well as biogenic amines such as melatonin from saliva can give information on a person’s current hormone status. Saliva electrolytes, salivary enzymes such as α-Amylase, saliva proteins and saliva protein metabolites such as total protein and creatinin are just a few examples for application in clinical chemistry. They can be used as markers for an indication of a person’s state of health.