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‘Game changer’: Saliva test results at USC return quicker

By AP
By AP

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina is joining a handful of universities nationwide to implement saliva tests for COVID-19.

[Yale COVID-19 saliva test seen as ‘game-changer’]

The school said Tuesday the tests will be free for students, faculty and staff on its Columbia campus. The implementation of the tests comes amid the university’s attempt to hold classes, which are set to begin Thursday, in person.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the pandemic -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Doctors at USC said the saliva test is as accurate as the swab test, but the key advantage is that people can get the results in hours instead of days.

“So, it’s a game changer in terms of being able to mitigate the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Stephen Cutler, dean of College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Carolyn Banister runs the campus lab, which processes the tests.

“We are hoping, in the future, to extend this out to the community,” she said. “But for right now, we want to keep the population safe on campus, which will keep Columbia safe.”

Aliya Abrahams was tested a couple of days ago.

App State Saliva Test Appalachian State University announced Tuesday it is suspending football practice after a cluster of COVID-19 cases, which is associated with the team, officials said.

“I took the saliva test at the beginning of the day at 10 a.m. and I got it back around 8 p.m. within the 24-hour period,” Abrahams said.

The speed of the results will make it easier for contact tracing, which could stop the spread of the virus.

However, it does not guarantee the school can avoid a lockdown in case of an outbreak.

“We’re cognizant of that, but at the same time, we feel that if we have a rapid test, we can mitigate the spread of the virus and possibly avoid having to close the campus,” Cutler said.

Cutler said at least 12 universities interested in the test called him Wednesday.

Other schools, including Clemson University, are delaying the start of in-person teaching due to the pandemic.

New COVID-19 cases and deaths have begun to fall in the state over the last month. On Tuesday, health officials reported 691 new confirmed cases and 47 additional deaths.

Yale COVID-19 saliva test seen as ‘game-changer’ (NCD)


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