Dubai approves COVID-19 saliva tests for children

Gulf Today Report

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said on Sunday that children aged between 3-16 could now be tested for COVID-19 by providing a saliva sample instead of the widely used nasal swab.

“To provide convenience and ease to children between 3 to 16 years old, who need a COVID-19 test, DHA has adopted the saliva test as an alternative to the nasal swab for PCR testing after a large research study by Mohammed Bin Rashid University and DHA,” authority tweeted.

This is in line with the UAE’s vision to expand the scope of testing nationwide, so the spread of the virus can be curbed. 

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The saliva test has gotten a pass following research carried out by Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health, said DHA.

Since the outbreak of the virus, the UAE has recorded 158,990 case, 552 deaths and 148,871 recoveries.