Do You Hate Those Needles?
Spit Tests May Soon Replace Blood Tests
How many times have I heard how much people hate needles? Patients have been known to avoid getting their routine exams because of their phobia for needles. Adults and children, who must have blood drawn on a regular basis, hate going to the doctor because of the needle.
Scientists are getting closer to breaking down something called the salivary proteonome which will possibly make tests for cancer, heart disease, or diabetes as say as spitting in a cup.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center feel they are very close to being able to analyze the saliva and detect diseases at an earlier stage which will result in earlier detection and higher cure rates.
The current thinking has changed the scientific definition of saliva and scientists realize more and more the similarities between blood and saliva. The saliva is already a source of DNA testing that can help in law enforcement.
The real benefit of further research and identification of the protein makeup of saliva will be the advancement in the detection and treatment of disease.
Saliva already can be used to detect oral cancer and HIV.
Previous studies have identified the value of saliva in healing mouth ulcers and killing bacteria and viruses. The fact that saliva is more than just spit is not surprising and the advance of science continues to reveal the amazing complexity of the human body.
Published by S. A. Knight
Born and raised in New Orleans, Dr. Dapremont has practiced Ophthalmology on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1982. Dr. Dapremont completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Walter Reed Army Medical Cente... View profile
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- . Adults and children, who must have blood drawn on a regular basis, hate going to the doctor
- Saliva already can be used to detect oral cancer and HIV.
- The saliva is already a source of DNA testing that can help in law enforcement.