Government pilots new simple saliva test for virus

THE Government is piloting a coronavirus saliva test that could become an alternative to the existing invasive and sometimes painful deep nasal and throat swab.

The new test only requires the individual to spit into a sample pot to be tested for current Covid-19 infection, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

The trial is due to be launched in Southampton this week — and over 14,000 people working in GP surgeries, universities and in other front line roles have been recruited for the first phase.

The project is being jointly led by Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton and the NHS, the DHSC said, with the help of other public services in Hampshire.

Participants will receive test results within 48 hours and details of those who test positive will be shared with the NHS

Test and Trace Programme.

There have been fears the existing swab test could be yielding a significant level of false negatives, potentially due to the difficulty in swabbing the sinuses and back of the throat.

Research from Bristol University and John Hopkins University has found that up to 20% of swab tests return false negatives.

The current test also provokes coughing and spluttering, putting health staff — already working in close quarters with the patient — at even greater risk of the droplet-borne infection.

It is hoped the new tests will significantly boost existing testing capacity and accessibility.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock

said: “Saliva testing could potentially make it even easier for people to take coronavirus tests at home, without having to use swabs. This trial will also help us learn if routine, at-home testing could pick up cases of the virus earlier.”

The test was developed by biomedical firm Optigene and the DHSC said it is looking at saliva-based tests from four other firms. It said it is working with a number of manufacturers ready to scale up production of the kits.

Professor Keith Godfrey from the University of Southampton said: “The health, social and economic impacts of lockdown cannot be underestimated.

“Through this initiative we believe we can contribute to safely restoring economic activity within the city and region during national relaxation measures, whilst enabling people to regain their lives, work and education.”

The pilot is due to run for four weeks with testing on a weekly basis.

❝ Saliva testing could potentially make it even easier for people to take coronavirus tests at home