The diagnostic applications of saliva--a review

This review examines the diagnostic application of saliva for systemic diseases. As a diagnostic fluid, saliva offers distinctive advantages over serum because it can be collected non-invasively by individuals with modest training. Furthermore, saliva may provide a cost-effective approach for the sc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Critical reviews in oral biology and medicine 2002-01, Vol.13 (2), p.197-212
Main Authors: Kaufman, Eliaz, Lamster, Ira B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Autoimmune Diseases - diagnosis
Biomarkers - analysis
Clinical Chemistry Tests
Communicable Diseases - diagnosis
Dentistry
Drug Monitoring
Genetic Diseases, Inborn - diagnosis
Hormones - analysis
Humans
Mouth Diseases - diagnosis
Saliva - chemistry
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Summary:This review examines the diagnostic application of saliva for systemic diseases. As a diagnostic fluid, saliva offers distinctive advantages over serum because it can be collected non-invasively by individuals with modest training. Furthermore, saliva may provide a cost-effective approach for the screening of large populations. Gland-specific saliva can be used for diagnosis of pathology specific to one of the major salivary glands. Whole saliva, however, is most frequently used for diagnosis of systemic diseases, since it is readily collected and contains serum constituents. These constituents are derived from the local vasculature of the salivary glands and also reach the oral cavity via the flow of gingival fluid. Analysis of saliva may be useful for the diagnosis of hereditary disorders, autoimmune diseases, malignant and infectious diseases, and endocrine disorders, as well as in the assessment of therapeutic levels of drugs and the monitoring of illicit drug use.
ISSN:1045-4411
DOI:10.1177/154411130201300209