Comparing saliva and blood tests for bacterial infections in children

Comparison of Salivary Procalcitonin (PCT) Levels and Serum PCT Levels in Infants Under 1 Year of Age Suspected of Systemic Bacterial Infection

NA · Ege University · NCT06354205

This study is testing if saliva tests can effectively diagnose bacterial infections in babies under one year old, instead of using blood tests.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 1 Year
SexAll
SponsorEge University (other)
Locations1 site (İzmir)
Trial IDNCT06354205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the correlation between procalcitonin (PCT) levels in saliva and serum in children suspected of having systemic bacterial infections. It aims to determine whether saliva can serve as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, potentially replacing blood tests. The research focuses on children under one year of age, who are suspected of having a systemic infection, and will analyze the effectiveness of saliva PCT levels in diagnosing these conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children under one year of age with suspected systemic infections requiring serum procalcitonin testing.

Not a fit: Patients over one year of age or those with chronic illnesses affecting inflammatory biomarkers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for diagnosing bacterial infections in young children.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been animal studies suggesting the use of saliva PCT levels for certain conditions, this approach in humans for systemic infections is novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being under one year of age
* Having serum Procalcitonin (PCT) requested due to suspicion of systemic infection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Being over one year of age
* Having a chronic illness that could cause elevation in inflammatory biomarkers
* Taking any medication (such as antibiotics, immunomodulatory, or immunosuppressive drugs, etc.) that could affect inflammatory biomarkers
* Diagnosis of gingivostomatitis

Where this trial is running

İzmir

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bacterial Infections, Children, Only, Procalcitonin, Saliva, procalcitonin, saliva, children, infection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.