First you will need to either download the HALO™ App or if you are operating on an Android device you should visit our web portal. Once downloaded or on the HALO™ site you should complete the simple registration instructions.
Collection of saliva samples provides a minimally invasive method of sample collection that can be reliably self-administered [1].
Reliable self-collection of saliva decreases the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and isn’t subject to disruption of the supply of swabs, transport media, and personal protective equipment necessary for healthcare providers to obtain quality swab samples [1,2].
Furthermore, saliva sampling provides greater sensitivity in comparison to throat or nasal swabs, that is less subject to variations in sample acquisition. Making it more likely that we can detect earlier into disease onset. [1,2].
If you have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, not only can it make you ill but you can also transmit the virus to other people. When infected, there is a chance to fall seriously ill. This is especially dangerous for people belonging to ‘at risk’ groups such as the elderly or people with pre-existing health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease).
At HALO, we believe the best way to combat COVID-19 is through widespread testing and tracing. This allows identification of both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers of the SARS-COV-2 so they can self isolate, minimising the risk of transmission. This not only gives those who are free of the virus a greater sense of security when returning to work and everyday life but also is the most effective way of protecting the health of your loved ones and your community.
This is exemplified by countries such as South Korea that have employed mass testing and contact tracing as key components of their strategy in reducing the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases [3].
The higher your viral load (the amount of virus present in your saliva), the more likely it is to be detected. This amount increases at the start of the infection We use a highly sensitive RT-qPCR test capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 at lower viral loads than any other test available on the market. Internal tests correctly identified the virus in 100% of tested samples when the viral load 1000 times lower than amounts typically found in patient saliva.
Furthermore, our test is 100% specific to SARS-CoV-2 and is capable of detecting all known strains. This means that, unlike other testing approaches, you won’t receive a false positive test if you are infected by another virus, meaning you can return to a safe place of work faster and won’t have to quarantine unnecessarily.