![]() “That made us wonder whether saliva was better for catching pre-symptomatic patients than the traditional nasal swabs,” he said. Of the asymptomatic volunteers who tested positive, Milton and his colleagues found that those patients would typically show symptoms a day or 2 later. To identify people with COVID-19 the investigators began conducting weekly tests of saliva samples from healthy community volunteers in May 2020 and continued over the next 2 years. The research was motivated by the problem that early in the pandemic, an urgent need to increase testing was accompanied by a shortage of supplies, notably nasal swabs, which were then the standard method for collecting samples for testing. “Earlier detection can reduce the disease’s spread.” ![]() Milton, M.D., DrPH, a professor of occupational and environmental health at the Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park. ![]() “That is important because people can spread COVID-19 before they know that they have it,” said coauthor Donald K. The research is published March 21 in Microbiology Spectrum, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. – Genetic testing of saliva samples identifies the SARS-CoV-2 virus more quickly than testing of nasal swabs. NBC 5's Allie Spillyards contributed to this report.Saliva Testing for COVID-19 Quicker, Safer Than Nasal Swabs However, customers may be able to submit their receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement, Albertsons Companies said. Though the tests will only be available for those who can pay out of pocket, he's hopeful they'll mean people who otherwise wouldn't get tested now will.Ĭustomers can contact any local Tom Thumb or Albertsons Pharmacy for additional information.Īccording to Albertsons Companies, Tom Thumb and Albertsons are currently unable to bill insurance directly for the test, meaning that all payment for the test will be out of pocket. "It has been a struggle for a lot of people to get a test and making them more widely available and available in a way that is already familiar and comfortable to people is just a wonderful thing," Neuman said. Ben Neuman called the tests a positive development in the fight against COVID-19. A Tom Thumb or Albertsons pharmacist will be available for questions concerning follow-up care.Ĭhair of biology at Texas A&M Texarkana Dr. Those who take the at-home test will receive their results by email or text. Patients showing symptoms of COVID-19 should not pick up their own test and should instead send a representative or select the delivery option, Albertsons Companies said.Īfter completing the sample collection, individuals should send the test to the lab using the kit's prepaid next-day shipping envelope.įort Worth man sentenced for felony assault on officers during Jan. Individuals who request tests will be contacted for payment and will be notified that their test kit is ready for pick-up or has been shipped to their address. A Tom Thumb or Albertsons pharmacist will review and authenticate the information provided and order the test. To request a test, visit and complete a short medical questionnaire. Officials with Albertsons Companies said test results are typically available in 72 hours or less from the time the lab receives the test. The saliva tests are available at all Tom Thumb and Albertsons pharmacies through a partnership with Phosphorus Diagnostics. Tom Thumb and Albertsons pharmacies in North Texas are now offering at-home COVID-19 test kits.
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