Dubai approves saliva-based COVID-19 tests for children

A saliva-based test to detect COVID-19 in children has been introduced in Dubai.

Making the announcement, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) explained that the tests, which will cost AED 150, will be used to screen children aged between three and 16. 

These will be available at all DHA facilities and their COVID-19 screening centers, with the results available within 24 hours of when the test has been conducted.

The move is set to ensure a more comfortable method of COVID-19 testing for children.

It comes after a joint study by the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and DHA highlighted the diagnostic accuracy of these tests in children.

More details to follow