Vector illustration with a touch of 80’s style depicting COVID-19 concept and handmade grain effect.
SupaMed has unveiled the world’s first saliva-based pregnancy test, known as SaliStickTM, now available in pharmacies and Coles stores across Australia. This launch marks a significant advancement in pregnancy testing, occurring after more than 70 years of limited innovation since the introduction of at-home urine tests in the 1960s.
The SaliStickTM test provides a non-invasive solution, allowing women to test for pregnancy anywhere and at any time, delivering results in under 15 minutes. Developed by Salignostics, the test detects the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone indicative of pregnancy, through a simple mouth swab. The product has garnered international acclaim, being recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2023.
Revolutionizing Pregnancy Testing
Michael Cima, Director of SupaMed, expressed pride in the introduction of this groundbreaking product. He noted the increasing shift towards non-invasive saliva tests, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this time, we ensured that Australians had access to over 60 million of these tests. Convenient-to-use saliva tests are no longer a novelty,” Cima stated.
SaliStickTM represents a transformative option for women who traditionally relied on urine tests or blood tests conducted in medical settings. For many years, the role of saliva in pregnancy testing had been largely overlooked, despite its potential. Saliva contains thousands of proteins that mirror those in blood, making it a valuable medium for detection.
Clinical validation indicates that SaliStickTM boasts accuracy rates of 96% one day after a missed period and 97% two days after. This positions the test as a credible and rapid alternative to urine-based methods.
Addressing Women’s Health Needs
Dr. Anita Sharma, a General Practitioner and founder of Platinum Medical Centre, highlighted the significance of this development in women’s health. “Early and accurate detection is crucial, and saliva-based tests deliver on both fronts,” she remarked. The introduction of SaliStickTM offers a more personal journey for family planning and pregnancy testing, expanding the options available to women.
Market research reveals that 68% of women prefer a saliva-based pregnancy test over traditional urine tests, while 21% remain open to using either method. This data underscores a growing demand for more accessible and convenient alternatives.
Pharmacist Riley Price from Chempro Chemists noted the importance of convenience, comfort, and privacy in reproductive health. “Market trends show a clear preference for innovative, easy-to-use products that align with current lifestyles. We are committed to supporting our customers through every stage of their family planning journey,” she explained.
Testing with SaliStickTM requires just three straightforward steps, ensuring that women can easily incorporate this new method into their lives. As this product becomes available in selected pharmacies and Coles stores nationwide, it is set to redefine the landscape of pregnancy testing in Australia.
