The Trivalent is a test that detects, through an oropharyngeal swab, the presence of antigens characterizing different types of inflammation that can affect the oral cavity.
The Trivalent test is an innovation in the field of prevention and early diagnosis of oral cavity diseases.
Essentially, it uses the concept of the ELISA test, known for example as the test used for the Pap smear, which has virtually eliminated the risk of developing cervical cancer solely through proper prevention.
The oral cavity can be affected by various types of inflammation such as bacterial infections, increased cellular stress triggered by external factors, or, in more serious cases, conditions like squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for over 95% of oropharyngeal cancers. Early diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma is crucial to ensure a high probability of recovery, often without significant side effects.
The Trivalent is a simple, non-invasive qualitative analytical immunological test, performed with a cytological sample using a cytobrush, an instrument similar to a small brush that collects cells from the oral mucosa completely painlessly. Cells are collected from all areas of the mouth, not just from where visible lesions may be present.
Sample analysis detects the presence of six specific markers, divided into three categories:
- Oxidative Stress: indicates a biological imbalance that may impair tissue healing, increasing the risk of infections.
- HPV Infection (Human Papillomavirus): responsible for throat and mouth cancers.
- OPMD (Oral Potential Malignancy Disease): identifies tumor markers even in the absence of visible lesions, improving early diagnosis.
This test is extremely important because oral cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages, and lesions may not be visible during a routine dental examination. When diagnosis occurs late, treatments become more invasive and prognosis worsens.
Who should take the test?
The Trivalent Test is recommended for:
- Individuals with risk factors for oral cancer (smoking, alcohol, HPV exposure, denture trauma, poor oral hygiene)
- Patients with a family history of oncological diseases
- Patients over the age of 45
- Individuals with advanced periodontitis, gingival tissue atrophy, or slow healing after procedures
- Candidates for oral or implant surgery
- Patients with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions
Thanks to its easy execution (performed in just a few minutes while seated in the dental chair), the Trivalent test offers remarkable diagnostic potential due to its ability to detect cellular alterations still invisible to the eye through a defined process of cellular phenotyping.
This marks the beginning of a new era in oral prevention, and our practice has chosen to adopt this test to offer patients a concrete opportunity for advanced, personalized, and scientifically based prevention through the Trivalent Test.
