ARUP Makes Saliva COVID-19 Tests Available Nationwide
Sep 11, 2020, 4:11 PM
(KSL-TV)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Officials with ARUP Laboratories announced they will make saliva tests for COVID-19 available nationwide.
University of Utah Health has been offering ARUP’s saliva test since September 1.
The partnership between U of U Health and ARUP produced research last month that showed the saliva tests, which are a more comfortable alternative to nasal swab tests, are just as effective.
“We’re pleased to be one of the first labs to offer a COVID-19 saliva test that makes high-quality testing easier for patients and for providers,” said Dr. Sherrie L. Perkins, ARUP CEO. “ARUP remains committed to research, development and performance of tests that improve diagnosis of COVID-19 and all other diseases.”
The swab test is available with preapproval to ARUP clients nationwide, officials said. ARUP will perform the test only on saliva specimens collected using an ARUP collection kit with a healthcare provider present.
ARUP said not only is the saliva test less painful, but it also reduces the risk of exposure to coronavirus when patients sneeze or cough following the nasal swab.
ARUP is a nonprofit enterprise of the U. and its Department of Pathology.