Saliva-based pregnancy test by Israeli startup available next year

Test is based on the same technology used to make COVID-19 testing kits

Jerusalem-based startup Salignostics is set to market the world’s first saliva-based pregnancy test early next year.

The test will be marketed in retail stores in Israel, Europe, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The pregnancy test, to be called the SaliStick test kit, is based on the same technology used to make COVID-19 testing kits.

“It is deeply encouraging that technology that was honed and developed to help us deal with one of the worst pandemics is able to be developed further to help contribute to help and wellness for women and families all over the world,” said Dr. Guy Krief, co-founder and deputy CEO at Salignostics.

The young Israeli company, founded in 2016, has approval from both the Israeli Ministry of Health and the European Union, receiving CE marking, which “indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet E.U. safety, health and environmental protection requirements.”

The company is seeking approval for the product from the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Last year, Salignostics carried out successful clinical trials in Israel on more than 300 women, both pregnant and non-pregnant; the company's manufacturing facility, in the Lavon industrial park in the Galilee, has a monthly production capacity of 1 million units.

“Saliva is the key to rapid diagnostics for a variety of medical reasons. It is the only non-invasive, easy and hygienic means to detect hormones, viruses and even diseases,” said Professor Aaron Palmon, Salignostics co-founder.

The test is much easier to perform than the standard urine test, and results are available in less than 10 minutes.