Qatar Launches Less Intrusive Covid-19 Test for Children

Qatar is one of the first to introduce a saliva-based coronavirus test

A new kind of Covid-19 test for children has been rolled out in Qatar. The test requires the child to transfer their saliva into a sample pot, rather than the intrusive PCR test that requires a swab to be inserted into one's nose and at the back of the throat.

Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has begun offering saliva-based Covid-19 tests as nasal swab tests can often cause discomfort for kids and adults.

"Studies around the world have been looking at the use of saliva only swabs and results have confirmed their effectiveness," said MoPH.

Earlier in September, health authorities announced that they would be conducting random coronavirus tests on students in Qatar, though at the time MoPH said that testing is not mandatory and will be subject to parental consent.

When schools schools reopened across the country, many feared that returning to school would create an increase of Covid-19 cases. As a precautionary and preventive measure, MoPH responded to the concerns with random Covid-19 tests among those attending educational institutions.

The saliva-based coronavirus test will make it easier to conduct more tests.