CHARLOTTE — The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the saliva test, SalivaDirect, which has the capability of being a game changer in terms of increasing testing abilities.
The COVID-19 test developed by the Yale School of Public Health is much less invasive than the nasal swab test.
Researchers say it is showing promising results on its sensitivity.
[‘Game changer’: Saliva test results at USC return quicker]
“This testing is going to be faster, and it is going to be cheaper,” said Chantal Vogels, who worked on the saliva test. “The test has to be run in certified labs, but they can increase the testing volume and get a much faster turnaround.”
Results can be produced within hours and each test will cost about $10.
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"We aren't using this test but are encouraged when there are new EUA-approved tests available," said Kate Gaier, with Atrium Health
“Saliva Direct is a promising new testing tool,” said Kelly Height Connor, with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Mecklenburg County spokeswoman Rebecca Carter said, “We are currently evaluating the method and how it would be leveraged as part of North Carolina’s testing efforts.”
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Mecklenburg County officials said currently the test is not available in the area.
Health Director Gibbie Harris said she is hopeful that changes.
“It has the potential to be something that can be very helpful and much easier for individuals to be able to access and use as it becomes available,” Harris said.
Cox Media Group
