New Saliva Covid-19 Tests

When it comes to COVID-19, expanded testing is an important resource for everyone to help limit the spread. Since the start of the pandemic, testing options have steadily increased. Experts say making tests, from saliva COVID-19 tests to nasal swab-based tests, more available will be a critical tool in controlling outbreaks. Unfortunately, the discomfort caused by tests that require a nasal swab has likely discouraged many people from getting the test as often as they should. Now you have a more comfortable option for COVID-19 testing besides the nose and throat swab methods.

New Saliva COVID-19 Tests

Urgent Care Omaha clinics offer the noninvasive Saliva Covid-19 test SalivaDirect. This test is a more comfortable option collected by spitting into a small vial – no swab required. About 1mL of the collected saliva sample is required to run the test. The sample is sent off to the lab with results back in approximately 24 to 48 hours.

New saliva tests, like SalivaDirect, are nearly as accurate as throat and nasal swabs to detect COVID-19 without the painful swab. The SalivaDirect based testing has shown 94.6 percent accuracy at identifying NP positive cases and 100 percent of NP negative cases, with a far less invasive and discomforting process. In addition, it has been used by the NBA.

How does the saliva-based test work?

SalivaDirect is a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in saliva collected without preservatives in a sterile container from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider.

That means individuals who use this test simply have to spit into a small container. When getting ready for this test, the individuals should begin pooling saliva in their mouth. Thinking of a favorite food or what is for dinner can help increase saliva production. Avoid drinking water at least 10 minutes prior to collection, and other drinks, food, and nasal sprays at least 30 minutes prior.

SalivaDirect has not been FDA cleared or approved but has received emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories.

Nasal swab test vs saliva tests for COVID-19

There are some key differences between the nasal swab tests and the saliva COVID-19 tests, also called spit tests. Instead of a nasal swab that’s placed in your nose or the back of your throat, the saliva test basically requires users to spit into a tube. Swabs have been in short supply since the start of the pandemic. This method means potentially fewer issues with obtaining those supplies.

Nasopharyngeal swabs, also known as NP swabs, have to be collected by someone who is trained to do so. The procedure of gathering a spit sample doesn’t require a health care worker to collect it while six inches away from a potentially infected person. This process is safer for health care workers by limiting their risk of exposure while collecting samples. As a result, this reduces the risk of getting sick for those performing the test.

When Should I Get tested for COVID-19?

Not everyone needs to be tested, but there are some considerations to help determine if you should seek testing. Those include:

Experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Having close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
Taking part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings.
People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.

When you get tested, it is recommended that you self-quarantine or isolate yourself at home until you have your test results.

Results After Getting Tested for COVID-19

Results after getting tested for COVID-19 will be positive or negative. It is also possible to test negative and later test positive. You may test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during this illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then.

If you receive positive results, you are likely infected and could infect others. Stay home, isolate yourself and rest. On the other hand, negative results indicate you don’t have the virus, but you can still get infected. That is why it is important to keep following social distancing measures, wash your hands and wear a mask. If you test negative but start feeling sick, you may need to get tested again.

In conclusion, researchers say broad-scale testing is one part of a much larger strategy for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Individuals still need to take those preventative precautions.

Our Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics in Omaha, Bennington, West Omaha, Rockbrook, Crossroads & Bellevue, NE

Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:

Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.