Saliva test vs blood draw

[Ebstein]

I spoke with a clinic today that use saliva testing instead of blood draws. All I've done is blood draws, so I'd like to know if saliva tests are as good?

 

[Tom Larabee]

In the US saliva tests are not clinically valid.

 

[Ebstein]

In the US saliva tests are not clinically valid.

Thanks. May I ask why? And why is it in other parts of the world?

 

[HarryCat]

My understanding is that it is just too unreliable to be useful.

Here is an article that cites references which have looked into the issue: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-chen-md/saliva-tests_b_4366310.html

 

[Ebstein]

They offer HCG along with an AI right off the bat. My current endo is leaving, so I will be needing a new Dr. anyway. And the clinic that is in my insurance network doesn't prescribe either. An AI if needed but not HCG.