SalivaScan, a research project led by ITQB NOVA, addressed a critical gap in COVID-19 testing for young children by providing a non-invasive, saliva-based alternative. This community-driven initiative was conducted in public schools across Oeiras and Lisbon, involving over 4,445 students, and identified 80 asymptomatic cases, effectively breaking transmission chains during a crucial phase of the pandemic.
Designed to be child-friendly and accessible, the saliva test employed an innovative method that eliminated the need for pre-processing saliva samples, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. By preparing and distributing 9,500 saliva collection kits, SalivaScan ensured widespread participation.
The initiative was made possible through strong collaborations with Oeiras City Hall, which supported its implementation in schools, and the enthusiastic participation of school directors and teachers, who coordinated logistics and communicated the project’s importance to families. Beyond schools, the saliva test was successfully applied within the ITQB NOVA community, showcasing its versatility.
SalivaScan’s achievements were widely recognized, with findings disseminated through media outlets, academic conferences, and a public presentation at ITQB NOVA. The initiative demonstrated the importance of accessible, low-cost testing solutions, providing a blueprint for future pandemic preparedness and public health innovation.
For more information about this research project, visit the website here.
(This article was adapted from the Nova Research Impact Narratives initiative and the referred research has won na honourable mention in the Research Impact Narratives Challenge 2024).