TULSA, Okla. — There's a new coronavirus test for people who don’t like getting a swab up the nose.
Now there is a saliva test where all you have to do is spit into a tube.
Team Professional Services in Tulsa partnered with Clinical Reference Labs in Kansas City to get the test. It said it's the only location in the area offering it. The test recently received emergency use authorization from the FDA. Team Professional Services said it's shown to be more accurate than the nasal swab test.
“If they don’t get deep enough into that nasal cavity, there’s potential you’re not going to pick up any of the viral load," said Tim Jenney, president of Team Professional Services. "And that’s where you see quite a bit of these false negatives going on because the test was collected incorrectly.”
The test can be taken in the clinic, outside in your car or shipped to your house. When you get it, you must first register the testing kit. You then spit into the tube. Once you’ve taken the test, you put it into a biohazard bag and package it into a box and then FedEx shipping bag.
One of the biggest benefits of the saliva test is getting results in just 24 to 48 hours.
“When you’re talking about bringing employees back to work safely and efficiently, that’s a big deal right now," Jenney said. "Because most testing places, they’re overloaded and can take anywhere from seven to 10 days.”
The test is available to everyone, but, while it’s quick and easy, it’s not cheap. It costs $130 to $150.
However, there is good news for those who can’t afford it. The FDA also just approved a saliva test from Yale University that would be cheaper. The study said labs expect it to cost $10.
Dr. Bruce Dart, executive director of the Tulsa Health Department said this is great, but now, there’s the obstacle of getting the testing machines here and making it widespread.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take to get those machines out everywhere because we need them en masse," Dr. Dart said. “I know we can scream or yell loudest, but how we get it is really the big question.”
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