A weekly Covid-19 testing model using a new ‘no-swab’ saliva test is to be piloted in Southampton from this week, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said.
Over 14,000 GP staff, other essential key workers, including pharmacists, and university staff and their households will participate in the first phase of the trial, with test kits delivered either to their home or place of work to complete every week.
Participants will be able to complete coronavirus tests at home by putting their saliva into a sample pot to be tested for current infections of the virus.
Samples will be collected safely from homes by University of Southampton staff or returned to an agreed location on a weekly basis and participants will receive test results within 48 hours.
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 new saliva test will be significant in increasing testing capacity and accessibility as it does not require the use of a swab, which some people find uncomfortable, the DHSC has said.
The test has already been shown to be highly promising and the pilot is undertaking further validation against polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nasal swabs.
Weekly testing as part of the pilot will help identify coronavirus cases early on, including for those with no or minor symptoms, meaning those who test positive can isolate within their households.
The details of those who test positive will be shared with the NHS Test and Trace programme so contact tracing can start immediately.
The pilot will be jointly led by Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton and the NHS, alongside a wider network of public services in Hampshire.
