🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 93 (from laksa025)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa093.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing","crawl_time":1775941269,"first_indexed_time":1651247614,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"sg,com,singhealth!www,\/news\/singapore-health\/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing s443","src_root_hash":"12117085593994098693","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"No more uncomfortable self-testing","meta_descriptions":[],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This saliva antigen COVID-19\ntest will be an even more\nconvenient option compared\nto nasal swabs.\nA saliva-based COVID-19\nantigen rapid test (ART)\ntechnology co-developed by\nthe SingHealth Duke-NUS\nAcademic Medical Centre\nand the National University\nof Singapore (NUS) will offer a more\npleasant alternative to nasal swabs.\nOfficially known as PASPORT (Parallel\nAmplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test),\nthis easy-to-use and painless test is highly\naccurate. Compared to the gold standard\nPolymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test,\nPASPORT’s sensitivity in detecting the\nSARS-CoV-2 virus is 97 per cent, and its\nspecificity (to detect a true negative result) is\n90.6 per cent. These results are comparable\nto ART nasal swabs available in Singapore.\nWhile PASPORT is not the first test\nthat can be used for saliva testing, it vastly\noutperforms the handful of existing options,\nwhich have not been accurate enough to be\nrolled out at large scale.\nOne of the major limitations of existing\nsaliva tests is that they are accurate only after\nprolonged fasting, such as in the morning after\nwaking up. “Should participants eat, drink or\nbrush their teeth, the concentration of viral\nparticles in the saliva drops too drastically for\nan accurate result. A comparison against two\nother existing test kits showed that sensitivity\ndropped to approximately 60 per cent and\n20 per cent respectively after food,” said\nDr Danny Tng (pictured), Medical Officer, Department\nof Infectious Diseases, Singapore General\nHospital (SGH). He is also an adjunct\nResearch Fellow at Duke-NUS’s Emerging\nInfectious Diseases (EID) Programme and\none of the key inventors of PASPORT.\nThe other inventors include Associate\nProfessor Melvin Chua from National Cancer\nCentre Singapore (NCCS) and Duke-NUS\nMedical School, Professor Jenny Low\nfrom SGH and Duke-NUS Medical School,\nProfessor Ooi Eng Eong from Duke-NUS\nMedical School, Professor Soo Khee Chee\nfrom NCCS and Duke-NUS Medical School,\nand Professor Zhang Yong from NUS.\nPASPORT can be used at any time of the\nday, even after meals. Like other ARTs, it uses\nnanoparticles to bind the virus. In addition, it\nadds a second type of nanoparticle that binds the\nfirst set of nanoparticles to amplify the signal,\nallowing it to be\nmore sensitive\nthan other lateral\nflow tests. Using its\nunique viral capture system\nwith ACE2 proteins, it is also able\nto pick up COVID-19 variants, including Delta.\nThis new kit looks similar to a regular\nART kit. The main difference is that instead\nof a nasal swab, users will collect a small\namount of saliva in a funnel, drop some\nsaliva in the first channel of the test kit, and\nwait for up to 15 minutes for results. If results\nare negative, they will drop more saliva into\nthe second channel of the test kit and wait\nfor another 15 minutes for amplified results.\nTherefore, this self-administered test can be\ncompleted in as soon as 15 to 30 minutes.\n \n \nDr Tng noted that globally, there is a high\ndemand for ART over PCR testing. This is\nbecause the latter requires specially trained\npersonnel for sample collection, processing and\ninterpretation of results, is costlier ($150 per test\non average), and takes up to a day to get results.\n“With new COVID-19 anti-viral oral\nmedications like Molnupiravir, it is very\nimportant to administer these drugs within\nthe first few days of illness to achieve the\nbest outcomes. As PCR takes a longer\ntime, you could miss a critical window for\ntreatment,” he explained.\nFurthermore, saliva antigen tests reduce\nthe margin of error that occurs when the nasal\nswab is not done properly — for instance,\nwhen it is not be inserted deep enough into\nthe nasal cavity. “Some studies have shown\na 10 per cent difference in accuracy when a\nprofessional does the nasal swab compared to\nwhen users do it on their own,” Dr Tng said.\nThe saliva test may also be easier to\nadminister on children who may find nasal\nswabs uncomfortable. This convenient\ntesting method is also important since there\nis currently no vaccination available for very\nyoung children.\n“A test like PASPORT that can be selfadministered\nor used on-site at the primary\ncare setting may mitigate the need for cases\nto be managed at the hospitals,” said Prof Ooi.\nManufactured by Singapore-based\ncompany Digital Life Line Pte Ltd,\nPASPORT is expected to be available for\nconsumer use by the end of 2022.\nGet the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.","attrs_markdown":"SingHealth Institutions will NEVER ask you to transfer money over a call. 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Please proceed with a valid query.*\n\n- [Symptoms & Treatments](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/symptoms-treatments.html)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/doctor.html)\n- [Our Institutions]()\n- [Our Specialties](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/our-specialties.html)\n- [Patient Services](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/patient-services.html)\n- [Community Care]()\n- [I Want To…]()\n\n[Education](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/education.html) [Research & Innovation](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/research-innovation.html) [Giving](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/giving.html)\n\n[SingHealth](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth)   [News](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/singhealth-web\/singhealth\/en\/about-singhealth\/news)   [No more uncomfortable self-testing]()\n\n[![WhatsApp](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/whatsapp%20icon.svg) opens in a new tab](https:\/\/wa.me\/?text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:%20https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/\/news\/singapore-health\/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing.html)\n\n[![Facebook](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/Facebook%20Icon.svg) opens in a new tab](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/\/news\/singapore-health\/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing.html)\n\n[![Twitter](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/Twitter%20Icon.svg) opens in a new tab](https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing&text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:)\n\n[![Email](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/Email%20Icon.svg) opens in a new tab](mailto:example@example.com?body=https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/news\/singapore-health\/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing)\n\n[![Copy-To-Clipboard](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/admin-assets\/social-share-icons\/link%20icon.svg)]()\n## No more uncomfortable self-testing\n# No more uncomfortable self-testing\n28 Apr 2022 \\| Singapore Health\n\nBy Annie Tan\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/adobe\/dynamicmedia\/deliver\/dm-aid--dd2cb688-0dc3-4718-8013-d2b1eb01ec89\/pasport-news.jpg?preferwebp=true)\n\n## This saliva antigen COVID-19 test will be an even more convenient option compared to nasal swabs.\nA saliva-based COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) technology co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will offer a more pleasant alternative to nasal swabs.\n\nOfficially known as PASPORT (Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test), this easy-to-use and painless test is highly accurate. Compared to the gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, PASPORT’s sensitivity in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus is 97 per cent, and its specificity (to detect a true negative result) is 90.6 per cent. These results are comparable to ART nasal swabs available in Singapore.\n\nWhile PASPORT is not the first test that can be used for saliva testing, it vastly outperforms the handful of existing options, which have not been accurate enough to be rolled out at large scale.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/Dr%20Danny%20Tng.jpg)\n\nOne of the major limitations of existing saliva tests is that they are accurate only after prolonged fasting, such as in the morning after waking up. “Should participants eat, drink or brush their teeth, the concentration of viral particles in the saliva drops too drastically for an accurate result. A comparison against two other existing test kits showed that sensitivity dropped to approximately 60 per cent and 20 per cent respectively after food,” said Dr Danny Tng (pictured), Medical Officer, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He is also an adjunct Research Fellow at Duke-NUS’s Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme and one of the key inventors of PASPORT.\n\nThe other inventors include Associate Professor Melvin Chua from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Jenny Low from SGH and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Ooi Eng Eong from Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Soo Khee Chee from NCCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, and Professor Zhang Yong from NUS.\n\nPASPORT can be used at any time of the day, even after meals. Like other ARTs, it uses nanoparticles to bind the virus. In addition, it adds a second type of nanoparticle that binds the first set of nanoparticles to amplify the signal, allowing it to be more sensitive than other lateral flow tests. Using its unique viral capture system with ACE2 proteins, it is also able to pick up COVID-19 variants, including Delta.\n\nThis new kit looks similar to a regular ART kit. The main difference is that instead of a nasal swab, users will collect a small amount of saliva in a funnel, drop some saliva in the first channel of the test kit, and wait for up to 15 minutes for results. If results are negative, they will drop more saliva into the second channel of the test kit and wait for another 15 minutes for amplified results. Therefore, this self-administered test can be completed in as soon as 15 to 30 minutes.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%201.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%202.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%203.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%204.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%205.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%206.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%207.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%208.jpg)\n\nDr Tng noted that globally, there is a high demand for ART over PCR testing. This is because the latter requires specially trained personnel for sample collection, processing and interpretation of results, is costlier (\\$150 per test on average), and takes up to a day to get results.\n\n“With new COVID-19 anti-viral oral medications like Molnupiravir, it is very important to administer these drugs within the first few days of illness to achieve the best outcomes. As PCR takes a longer time, you could miss a critical window for treatment,” he explained.\n\nFurthermore, saliva antigen tests reduce the margin of error that occurs when the nasal swab is not done properly — for instance, when it is not be inserted deep enough into the nasal cavity. “Some studies have shown a 10 per cent difference in accuracy when a professional does the nasal swab compared to when users do it on their own,” Dr Tng said.\n\nThe saliva test may also be easier to administer on children who may find nasal swabs uncomfortable. This convenient testing method is also important since there is currently no vaccination available for very young children.\n\n“A test like PASPORT that can be selfadministered or used on-site at the primary care setting may mitigate the need for cases to be managed at the hospitals,” said Prof Ooi.\n\nManufactured by Singapore-based company Digital Life Line Pte Ltd, PASPORT is expected to be available for consumer use by the end of 2022.\n\n[Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! 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Singapore 168582\n\n![award 1](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award21.png)   ![award 2](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award31.png)   ![award 3](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award41.png)   ![award 4](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/image\/footer\/footer-icon\/footer-award51.png)\n\n© 2026 Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/corporate-governance\/terms-of-use.html \"Terms of Use\")\n\n[Sitemap](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/sitemap.html \"Sitemap\")\n\n[PDPA](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/about-singhealth\/corporate-governance\/personal-data-protection-act.html \"PDPA\")\n\n[Rate Our Website opens in a new tab](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/6433702091f2a60011669e68 \"Rate Our Website\")\n\n[Report Vulnerability opens in a new tab](https:\/\/www.synapxe.sg\/report-vulnerability \"Report Vulnerability\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"## This saliva antigen COVID-19 test will be an even more convenient option compared to nasal swabs.\nA saliva-based COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) technology co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will offer a more pleasant alternative to nasal swabs.\n\nOfficially known as PASPORT (Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test), this easy-to-use and painless test is highly accurate. Compared to the gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, PASPORT’s sensitivity in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus is 97 per cent, and its specificity (to detect a true negative result) is 90.6 per cent. These results are comparable to ART nasal swabs available in Singapore.\n\nWhile PASPORT is not the first test that can be used for saliva testing, it vastly outperforms the handful of existing options, which have not been accurate enough to be rolled out at large scale.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/Dr%20Danny%20Tng.jpg)\n\nOne of the major limitations of existing saliva tests is that they are accurate only after prolonged fasting, such as in the morning after waking up. “Should participants eat, drink or brush their teeth, the concentration of viral particles in the saliva drops too drastically for an accurate result. A comparison against two other existing test kits showed that sensitivity dropped to approximately 60 per cent and 20 per cent respectively after food,” said Dr Danny Tng (pictured), Medical Officer, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He is also an adjunct Research Fellow at Duke-NUS’s Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme and one of the key inventors of PASPORT.\n\nThe other inventors include Associate Professor Melvin Chua from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Jenny Low from SGH and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Ooi Eng Eong from Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Soo Khee Chee from NCCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, and Professor Zhang Yong from NUS.\n\nPASPORT can be used at any time of the day, even after meals. Like other ARTs, it uses nanoparticles to bind the virus. In addition, it adds a second type of nanoparticle that binds the first set of nanoparticles to amplify the signal, allowing it to be more sensitive than other lateral flow tests. Using its unique viral capture system with ACE2 proteins, it is also able to pick up COVID-19 variants, including Delta.\n\nThis new kit looks similar to a regular ART kit. The main difference is that instead of a nasal swab, users will collect a small amount of saliva in a funnel, drop some saliva in the first channel of the test kit, and wait for up to 15 minutes for results. If results are negative, they will drop more saliva into the second channel of the test kit and wait for another 15 minutes for amplified results. Therefore, this self-administered test can be completed in as soon as 15 to 30 minutes.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%201.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%202.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%203.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%204.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%205.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%206.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%207.jpg)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.singhealth.com.sg\/content\/dam\/singhealth-web\/common\/imported-assets\/assets\/news\/singapore-health\/sh70\/3--covid-19-saliva-test\/PASPORT%20Step%208.jpg)\n\nDr Tng noted that globally, there is a high demand for ART over PCR testing. This is because the latter requires specially trained personnel for sample collection, processing and interpretation of results, is costlier (\\$150 per test on average), and takes up to a day to get results.\n\n“With new COVID-19 anti-viral oral medications like Molnupiravir, it is very important to administer these drugs within the first few days of illness to achieve the best outcomes. As PCR takes a longer time, you could miss a critical window for treatment,” he explained.\n\nFurthermore, saliva antigen tests reduce the margin of error that occurs when the nasal swab is not done properly — for instance, when it is not be inserted deep enough into the nasal cavity. “Some studies have shown a 10 per cent difference in accuracy when a professional does the nasal swab compared to when users do it on their own,” Dr Tng said.\n\nThe saliva test may also be easier to administer on children who may find nasal swabs uncomfortable. This convenient testing method is also important since there is currently no vaccination available for very young children.\n\n“A test like PASPORT that can be selfadministered or used on-site at the primary care setting may mitigate the need for cases to be managed at the hospitals,” said Prof Ooi.\n\nManufactured by Singapore-based company Digital Life Line Pte Ltd, PASPORT is expected to be available for consumer use by the end of 2022.\n\n[Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.](https:\/\/form.gov.sg\/60ab7c406614cb00119aa205)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This saliva antigen COVID-19 test will be an even more convenient option compared to nasal swabs. A saliva-based COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) technology co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will offer a more pleasant alternative to nasal swabs. Officially known as PASPORT (Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test), this easy-to-use and painless test is highly accurate. Compared to the gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, PASPORT’s sensitivity in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus is 97 per cent, and its specificity (to detect a true negative result) is 90.6 per cent. These results are comparable to ART nasal swabs available in Singapore. While PASPORT is not the first test that can be used for saliva testing, it vastly outperforms the handful of existing options, which have not been accurate enough to be rolled out at large scale. One of the major limitations of existing saliva tests is that they are accurate only after prolonged fasting, such as in the morning after waking up. “Should participants eat, drink or brush their teeth, the concentration of viral particles in the saliva drops too drastically for an accurate result. A comparison against two other existing test kits showed that sensitivity dropped to approximately 60 per cent and 20 per cent respectively after food,” said Dr Danny Tng (pictured), Medical Officer, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He is also an adjunct Research Fellow at Duke-NUS’s Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme and one of the key inventors of PASPORT. The other inventors include Associate Professor Melvin Chua from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Jenny Low from SGH and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Ooi Eng Eong from Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Soo Khee Chee from NCCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, and Professor Zhang Yong from NUS. PASPORT can be used at any time of the day, even after meals. Like other ARTs, it uses nanoparticles to bind the virus. In addition, it adds a second type of nanoparticle that binds the first set of nanoparticles to amplify the signal, allowing it to be more sensitive than other lateral flow tests. Using its unique viral capture system with ACE2 proteins, it is also able to pick up COVID-19 variants, including Delta. This new kit looks similar to a regular ART kit. The main difference is that instead of a nasal swab, users will collect a small amount of saliva in a funnel, drop some saliva in the first channel of the test kit, and wait for up to 15 minutes for results. If results are negative, they will drop more saliva into the second channel of the test kit and wait for another 15 minutes for amplified results. Therefore, this self-administered test can be completed in as soon as 15 to 30 minutes. Dr Tng noted that globally, there is a high demand for ART over PCR testing. This is because the latter requires specially trained personnel for sample collection, processing and interpretation of results, is costlier ($150 per test on average), and takes up to a day to get results. “With new COVID-19 anti-viral oral medications like Molnupiravir, it is very important to administer these drugs within the first few days of illness to achieve the best outcomes. As PCR takes a longer time, you could miss a critical window for treatment,” he explained. Furthermore, saliva antigen tests reduce the margin of error that occurs when the nasal swab is not done properly — for instance, when it is not be inserted deep enough into the nasal cavity. “Some studies have shown a 10 per cent difference in accuracy when a professional does the nasal swab compared to when users do it on their own,” Dr Tng said. The saliva test may also be easier to administer on children who may find nasal swabs uncomfortable. This convenient testing method is also important since there is currently no vaccination available for very young children. “A test like PASPORT that can be selfadministered or used on-site at the primary care setting may mitigate the need for cases to be managed at the hospitals,” said Prof Ooi. Manufactured by Singapore-based company Digital Life Line Pte Ltd, PASPORT is expected to be available for consumer use by the end of 2022. Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.
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Please proceed with a valid query. - [Symptoms & Treatments](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/symptoms-treatments.html) - [Find a Doctor](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/doctor.html) - [Our Institutions]() - [Our Specialties](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/our-specialties.html) - [Patient Services](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-services.html) - [Community Care]() - [I Want To…]() [Education](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/education.html) [Research & Innovation](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/research-innovation.html) [Giving](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/giving.html) [SingHealth](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth) [News](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/singhealth-web/singhealth/en/about-singhealth/news) [No more uncomfortable self-testing]() [![WhatsApp](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/whatsapp%20icon.svg) opens in a new tab](https://wa.me/?text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:%20https://www.singhealth.com.sg//news/singapore-health/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing.html) [![Facebook](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/Facebook%20Icon.svg) opens in a new tab](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.singhealth.com.sg//news/singapore-health/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing.html) [![Twitter](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/Twitter%20Icon.svg) opens in a new tab](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing&text=Hi%20everyone,%20please%20check%20this%20out:) [![Email](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/Email%20Icon.svg) opens in a new tab](mailto:example@example.com?body=https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/singapore-health/no-more-uncomfortable-self-testing) [![Copy-To-Clipboard](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/admin-assets/social-share-icons/link%20icon.svg)]() ## No more uncomfortable self-testing # No more uncomfortable self-testing 28 Apr 2022 \\| Singapore Health By Annie Tan ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/adobe/dynamicmedia/deliver/dm-aid--dd2cb688-0dc3-4718-8013-d2b1eb01ec89/pasport-news.jpg?preferwebp=true) ## This saliva antigen COVID-19 test will be an even more convenient option compared to nasal swabs. A saliva-based COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) technology co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will offer a more pleasant alternative to nasal swabs. Officially known as PASPORT (Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test), this easy-to-use and painless test is highly accurate. Compared to the gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, PASPORT’s sensitivity in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus is 97 per cent, and its specificity (to detect a true negative result) is 90.6 per cent. These results are comparable to ART nasal swabs available in Singapore. While PASPORT is not the first test that can be used for saliva testing, it vastly outperforms the handful of existing options, which have not been accurate enough to be rolled out at large scale. ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/Dr%20Danny%20Tng.jpg) One of the major limitations of existing saliva tests is that they are accurate only after prolonged fasting, such as in the morning after waking up. “Should participants eat, drink or brush their teeth, the concentration of viral particles in the saliva drops too drastically for an accurate result. A comparison against two other existing test kits showed that sensitivity dropped to approximately 60 per cent and 20 per cent respectively after food,” said Dr Danny Tng (pictured), Medical Officer, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He is also an adjunct Research Fellow at Duke-NUS’s Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme and one of the key inventors of PASPORT. The other inventors include Associate Professor Melvin Chua from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Jenny Low from SGH and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Ooi Eng Eong from Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Soo Khee Chee from NCCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, and Professor Zhang Yong from NUS. PASPORT can be used at any time of the day, even after meals. Like other ARTs, it uses nanoparticles to bind the virus. In addition, it adds a second type of nanoparticle that binds the first set of nanoparticles to amplify the signal, allowing it to be more sensitive than other lateral flow tests. Using its unique viral capture system with ACE2 proteins, it is also able to pick up COVID-19 variants, including Delta. This new kit looks similar to a regular ART kit. The main difference is that instead of a nasal swab, users will collect a small amount of saliva in a funnel, drop some saliva in the first channel of the test kit, and wait for up to 15 minutes for results. If results are negative, they will drop more saliva into the second channel of the test kit and wait for another 15 minutes for amplified results. Therefore, this self-administered test can be completed in as soon as 15 to 30 minutes. ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%201.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%202.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%203.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%204.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%205.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%206.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%207.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%208.jpg) Dr Tng noted that globally, there is a high demand for ART over PCR testing. This is because the latter requires specially trained personnel for sample collection, processing and interpretation of results, is costlier (\$150 per test on average), and takes up to a day to get results. “With new COVID-19 anti-viral oral medications like Molnupiravir, it is very important to administer these drugs within the first few days of illness to achieve the best outcomes. As PCR takes a longer time, you could miss a critical window for treatment,” he explained. Furthermore, saliva antigen tests reduce the margin of error that occurs when the nasal swab is not done properly — for instance, when it is not be inserted deep enough into the nasal cavity. “Some studies have shown a 10 per cent difference in accuracy when a professional does the nasal swab compared to when users do it on their own,” Dr Tng said. The saliva test may also be easier to administer on children who may find nasal swabs uncomfortable. This convenient testing method is also important since there is currently no vaccination available for very young children. “A test like PASPORT that can be selfadministered or used on-site at the primary care setting may mitigate the need for cases to be managed at the hospitals,” said Prof Ooi. Manufactured by Singapore-based company Digital Life Line Pte Ltd, PASPORT is expected to be available for consumer use by the end of 2022. [Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! 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Readable Markdown	## This saliva antigen COVID-19 test will be an even more convenient option compared to nasal swabs. A saliva-based COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) technology co-developed by the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will offer a more pleasant alternative to nasal swabs. Officially known as PASPORT (Parallel Amplified Saliva rapid POint-of-caRe Test), this easy-to-use and painless test is highly accurate. Compared to the gold standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, PASPORT’s sensitivity in detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus is 97 per cent, and its specificity (to detect a true negative result) is 90.6 per cent. These results are comparable to ART nasal swabs available in Singapore. While PASPORT is not the first test that can be used for saliva testing, it vastly outperforms the handful of existing options, which have not been accurate enough to be rolled out at large scale. ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/Dr%20Danny%20Tng.jpg) One of the major limitations of existing saliva tests is that they are accurate only after prolonged fasting, such as in the morning after waking up. “Should participants eat, drink or brush their teeth, the concentration of viral particles in the saliva drops too drastically for an accurate result. A comparison against two other existing test kits showed that sensitivity dropped to approximately 60 per cent and 20 per cent respectively after food,” said Dr Danny Tng (pictured), Medical Officer, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital (SGH). He is also an adjunct Research Fellow at Duke-NUS’s Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme and one of the key inventors of PASPORT. The other inventors include Associate Professor Melvin Chua from National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Jenny Low from SGH and Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Ooi Eng Eong from Duke-NUS Medical School, Professor Soo Khee Chee from NCCS and Duke-NUS Medical School, and Professor Zhang Yong from NUS. PASPORT can be used at any time of the day, even after meals. Like other ARTs, it uses nanoparticles to bind the virus. In addition, it adds a second type of nanoparticle that binds the first set of nanoparticles to amplify the signal, allowing it to be more sensitive than other lateral flow tests. Using its unique viral capture system with ACE2 proteins, it is also able to pick up COVID-19 variants, including Delta. This new kit looks similar to a regular ART kit. The main difference is that instead of a nasal swab, users will collect a small amount of saliva in a funnel, drop some saliva in the first channel of the test kit, and wait for up to 15 minutes for results. If results are negative, they will drop more saliva into the second channel of the test kit and wait for another 15 minutes for amplified results. Therefore, this self-administered test can be completed in as soon as 15 to 30 minutes. ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%201.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%202.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%203.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%204.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%205.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%206.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%207.jpg) ![](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/content/dam/singhealth-web/common/imported-assets/assets/news/singapore-health/sh70/3--covid-19-saliva-test/PASPORT%20Step%208.jpg) Dr Tng noted that globally, there is a high demand for ART over PCR testing. This is because the latter requires specially trained personnel for sample collection, processing and interpretation of results, is costlier (\$150 per test on average), and takes up to a day to get results. “With new COVID-19 anti-viral oral medications like Molnupiravir, it is very important to administer these drugs within the first few days of illness to achieve the best outcomes. As PCR takes a longer time, you could miss a critical window for treatment,” he explained. Furthermore, saliva antigen tests reduce the margin of error that occurs when the nasal swab is not done properly — for instance, when it is not be inserted deep enough into the nasal cavity. “Some studies have shown a 10 per cent difference in accuracy when a professional does the nasal swab compared to when users do it on their own,” Dr Tng said. The saliva test may also be easier to administer on children who may find nasal swabs uncomfortable. This convenient testing method is also important since there is currently no vaccination available for very young children. “A test like PASPORT that can be selfadministered or used on-site at the primary care setting may mitigate the need for cases to be managed at the hospitals,” said Prof Ooi. Manufactured by Singapore-based company Digital Life Line Pte Ltd, PASPORT is expected to be available for consumer use by the end of 2022. [Get the latest updates about Singapore Health in your mailbox! Click here to subscribe.](https://form.gov.sg/60ab7c406614cb00119aa205)
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