Pregnancy Testing Is Changing: Why Saliva Could Be the Next Step

Pregnancy testing is one of the most established self-test categories in pharmacy. While products have become faster, easier to read and more widely available, the fundamental testing experience has remained largely unchanged: for most consumers, taking a pregnancy test still means collecting or handling urine.

Viora is introducing a different approach: pregnancy testing using saliva.

The Viora Saliva Pregnancy Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay designed for self-testing and the qualitative detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in saliva to aid in the early detection of pregnancy. Instead of collecting a urine sample, the user provides a saliva sample that is processed and applied to a lateral-flow test cassette.

The science behind saliva testing

Viora uses a double-antibody sandwich immunochromatographic method. In simple terms, two antibodies recognize different parts of the hCG molecule. If hCG is present in the saliva sample, it is captured and produces a visible test line.

One of the key technical challenges in saliva testing is detecting the low concentrations of hCG present in saliva. The Viora assay has been developed with a limit of detection of 0.5 mIU/mL in saliva and is calibrated using standards traceable to the 5th WHO International Standard for hCG.

The assay has also undergone analytical testing for cross-reactivity, interference and repeatability as part of its performance evaluation.

Clinical performance

Viora has undergone a comparative clinical performance study in which saliva test results were compared with an established urine hCG pregnancy test.

The final comparative analysis included 303 samples, comprising 150 comparator-positive and 153 comparator-negative cases. Viora identified 148 of the 150 comparator-positive cases and all 153 comparator-negative cases, resulting in 98.67% positive agreement, 100% negative agreement and 99.34% overall agreement.

The two discordant cases were further evaluated using a verification test and clinical diagnosis.

The testing experience itself is designed to be fast and straightforward. A positive result can appear in as fast as 20 seconds, with results interpreted within the specified reading period.

The test can be stored between 2°C and 30°C and has a 24-month shelf life, allowing it to fit within conventional pharmacy, retail and distribution environments without refrigerated storage.

A more human testing experience

Behind every pregnancy test is a person waiting for an answer that may be deeply important to them. The experience surrounding that moment matters.

Viora was created with that experience in mind. By offering an alternative to urine collection through a simple saliva sample, the aim is to make pregnancy testing feel more comfortable, discreet and approachable while maintaining the performance expected from a modern diagnostic self-test.

Innovation in diagnostics is not only about what can be measured. It is also about how people experience the test itself.

A different opportunity for pharmacy

For consumers, saliva offers a non-invasive alternative to urine collection and a more discreet and convenient testing experience.

For pharmacies and retailers, it introduces meaningful differentiation into a mature category. Pregnancy tests have traditionally competed through brand, price, pack size, format and claims around early detection. Saliva testing offers consumers a fundamentally different format backed by analytical and clinical performance evaluation.

Viora is preparing for its European launch and developing relationships with pharmacy groups, retailers, wholesalers and distribution partners across the UK and Europe.

Visitors to The Pharmacy Show 2026 will have the opportunity to meet the Viora team, see the saliva pregnancy testing format firsthand and learn more about the science, clinical performance and commercial opportunity behind the product.

Pharmacy groups, buyers, wholesalers and distribution partners are invited to visit Viora at Stand M65 or contact us to book a meeting with the team in advance.

Gil Coelho
International Director, Viora
gil@vioratest.com
www.vioratest.com