THE WORLD’S first saliva pregnancy test was launched in the UK today.
The Salistick, which can spot if you’re knocked up as early as a day after a missed period, is being sold at 400 Superdrug stores across the country and online.
SalistickMAYBE BABY Superdrug launches world’s first SALIVA pregnancy test – would you trust it?[/caption]
The £9.99 test uses spit to determine if you are pregnant, rather than urine like most tests on the market, and is around 97 per cent accurate.
This makes it easier and more pleasant to use, according to manufacturers Abingdon Health.
Chris Yates, chief executive of the company, said: “This novel technology provides women with an enhanced user-experience.
“It offers the ability to test anywhere, anytime, and for the testing experience to be shared with a partner and other loved ones.”
Around 22.5million pregnancy tests are thought to have been taken last year in the UK.
Traditional urine pregnancy tests work by testing for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin that is produced when a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.
Many claim to be around 99 per cent accurate but in reality this depends on when the test is carried out because HCG levels take a few days to become detectable.
Salistick tests for the same hormone in spit to determine if you are pregnant and tests show it has comparable accuracy to traditional tests, which cost around £4.99 for two swabs.
Users place a test into their mouth before inserting it back into the device.
Results appear within 15 minutes but can be confirmed in as little as three minutes — similar to most urine tests.
Caris Newson, healthcare director at Superdrug, comments “At Superdrug we are proud to launch the first ever oral pregnancy test on the market.
“This new format expands our offering of convenient and accessible testing and care.
“The first at-home urine pregnancy test was launched nearly 50 years ago and until now there haven’t been many advancements in this category.
“We are proud to help our customers by bringing them this new, innovative product.”