Boston IVF has launched its first needle-free saliva test for monitoring and treating infertility.
Boston IVF said its research demonstrates that hormone estradiol levels found in saliva correlate with the hormone levels in the blood and can be accurately measured in saliva.
Boston IVF medical director Michael Alper said by replacing daily blood draws with a very simple, patient-friendly saliva test, they can eliminate some of the challenges and painful needle sticks and make treatment more convenient.
"Based on this new technology developed in our laboratory, our doctors can accurately monitor a patient’s hormone response to therapy and manage treatment without requiring invasive blood work," Alper said.
Boston said the saliva testing is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and is already used in other areas of medicine, such as measuring the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.