10-minute saliva test to detect cancer

A 10-minute saliva test to detect cancer that scientists claim could revolutionise diagnosis has been unveiled.

The ‘liquid biopsy’ test looks for fragments of genetic material in a tiny drop of saliva.

Early results from lung cancer patients suggest “near-perfect” accuracy, according to the scientist whose team developed the system. David Wong of the University of California at Los Angeles said: “We need less than one drop of saliva and we can turn the test around in 10 minutes. It can be done in a doctor’s office while you wait.