Coronavirus: New saliva test to be piloted in Southampton

New ‘spit in a pot’ test could replace existing nose and throat swab

Some people find the existing nasal and throat swabs uncomfortable and even painful (AP)

A new coronavirus test which could replace the existing a nose and throat swab is being piloted in Southampton.

People will be able to simply spit into a pot at home before the sample is sent off to check whether they have Covid-19.

If successful, the saliva test could become an alternative to the existing swab which some people find uncomfortable and can provoke coughing and spluttering.

More than 14,000 essential key workers, GP staff, university staff and their households will be able to take part in the first phase of the trial, beginning this week.

Test kits will be delivered either to their home or workplace every week and samples will either be collected by University of Southampton staff or returned to an agreed location.

Participants will receive test results within 48 hours, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

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.

“I am very grateful to everyone involved in the trial who is helping us develop our understanding of the virus which will benefit not only our but the global response to it.”

The government said the test had “already been shown to be highly promising” and would now be validated against PCR nasal swabs.

Details of those who test positive will be shared with the NHS Test and Trace programme for immediate contact tracing.

The pilot is jointly led by Southampton City Council, the University of Southampton, and the NHS, alongside a wider network of public services in Hampshire.

It will run for up to four weeks testing people on a weekly basis. Participants for the pilot are currently being registered with self-testing due to start next week.

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.”