Comparative analysis of three commercial saliva testing kits with a standard saliva buffering test

Aust Dent J. 2008 Jun;53(2):140-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1834-7819.2008.00023.x.

Abstract

Background: In 1959, Ericsson developed a laboratory buffer capacity test. Because the Ericsson test is not practical for use as a chair-side test, commercially available saliva buffering capacity tests have been developed for use in the dental office. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between a modified Ericsson test and three commercially available quantitative and colourimetric tests.

Methods: Stimulated saliva (by chewing paraffin wax) was collected from 113 patients. Individual saliva buffering capacity was assessed with the following four different methods: modified Ericsson test; quantitative test using a hand-held pH meter; paper strip; or liquid colourimetric test. The correlations of ranking results among the different tests were analysed using the Spearman Rank Correlation Test, p < 0.001.

Results: Spearman Rank Correlation indicated significant positive coefficients between the modified Ericsson test and the quantitative test (rho = 0.857), the paper strip colourimetric test (rho = 0.621) and the liquid-type colourimetric test (rho = 0.689).

Conclusion: The detection level of medium and high buffering capacity was test dependent. The quantitative test using a hand-held pH meter showed a stronger positive correlation with the modified Ericsson test. The qualitative tests seemed less reliable, particularly for patients classified as having a medium buffering capacity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Buffers
  • Colorimetry / instrumentation
  • Colorimetry / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Materials Testing
  • Middle Aged
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / standards*
  • Reagent Strips / standards
  • Saliva / chemistry*
  • Saliva / physiology
  • Solutions

Substances

  • Buffers
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Reagent Strips
  • Solutions