SALIVA-CHECK MUTANS,tests for a very specific bacteria known as streptococcus mutans. The Streptococcus mutans bacterial species plays a leading role in the initiation of dental caries. When used with other clinical information, salivary level of this bacterium is useful for caries risk assessment in patients.GC Saliva-Check Mutans uses a very specific immunochromatography process. Not reliant on bacteria growth, this means incubators or other devices are not needed. Therefore, the traditional culture test is no longer necessary and accurate results are available in just 15 minutes. Accuracy is possible as the test strip contains 2 monoclonal antibodies that selectively detect only the S.mutans species, meaning no other bacteria contaminates the results.