The study pipeline. Schematic outline of the primer optimizing approach utilized in this study, which includes the highest read density area (HR) and broad read density area (BR) identified in our cohort, validation by the TCGA cohort, 15 primer/probe sets designed for HR and BR using Primer-BLAST, and PCR confirmation of primer/probe function in HPV-positive cell lines DNA, HPV-HNSCC DNA, and saliva DNA