Boots, a prominent British pharmacy chain, has begun selling the world’s first saliva-based pregnancy test developed by Jerusalem-based startup Salignostics, branded as the Salistick.
Each Salistick kit comprises two separate tubes: one for collecting saliva, equipped with a cotton pad, and another containing an active test ingredient. When assembled, these tubes are comparable in size to conventional pregnancy tests.
The testing process involves the user placing the tube in her mouth to collect saliva using the cotton pad. After approximately one minute of sucking on the pad until it absorbs enough saliva, an indicator beneath the pad changes color from yellow to blue.
Once the color change indicates readiness, the saliva-containing tube is secured into the larger tube. The saliva then drips into this tube, which houses a test for a hormone specific to pregnant women. Similar to traditional tests, the result is displayed with one line indicating a negative result and two lines for a positive result.
The Salistick gained recognition in 2023 when it was selected as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of the Year, with Salignostics co-founder and SCO Dr. Raluca Cohen also named among the magazine’s 100 most influential people in health.
Dr. Guy Krief, co-founder and deputy CEO of Salignostics, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Boots: “The launch of Salistick in a leading retailer like Boots marks a significant milestone in our European and UK market strategy. Offering a saliva-based pregnancy test under the trusted Boots brand will enhance familiarity, trust, and adoption among women purchasing Salistick.”
The introduction of Salistick at Boots signifies a step forward in accessible and innovative pregnancy testing, potentially reshaping consumer expectations in the health and beauty retail sector.
