The history of salivary diagnostics

Abstract

Within the last two-and-a-half decades, the area of salivary diagnostics continues to record signifi cant and substantial activities on the radars of biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Along with chronicling the highlight moments in the development and subsequent emergence of the fi eld of salivary diagnostics to date, this chapter will discuss the concept of biomarkers and provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of saliva and serum as diagnostic media. Finally, the section on the Legal Issues Related to Salivary Diagnostics will provide ample speculations on potential legal scrutiny, pitfalls, and other legal tests anticipated along the path of development of salivary diagnostics.