Made-in-Singapore dengue test kit uses saliva to detect antibodies

It can easily diagnose within 20 minutes.

Finding out whether you have been infected with dengue may soon be as easy as spitting into a rapid test kit.

That’s according to the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of A*STAR, which has developed a paper-based disposable device that will allow dengue-specific antibodies to be detected easily from saliva within 20 minutes. This device is currently undergoing further development for commercialization.

IBN Executive Director Professor Jackie Y. Ying shares, “Our rapid diagnostic kit can detect a key dengue antibody from saliva that is present in early-stage secondary infection. The ability to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections makes it a valuable early diagnosis tool that would help to ensure timely treatment and proper care of patients.”

Patients with secondary infection, who have previously been infected with other serotypes of dengue virus, stand a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

A*STAR says thta unlike blood samples, saliva can be collected easily and painlessly for rapid point-of-care diagnostics. However, unlike other body fluids, it cannot be applied directly to commercially available test kits as it would cause the sensor nanoparticles to stick haphazardly to the test strip. In addition, conventional paper-based tests are not designed to handle the larger sample volume of saliva required.