The recently FDA-cleared saliva tests for SARS CoV2, COVID-19 developed at Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR), in partnership with Accurate Diagnostic Labs is now available for new and existing patients of VNA of Central Jersey Community Health Centers located in Asbury Park, Freehold and Keyport. Expanded accessibility to testing of patients with potential exposure to COVID-19 and experiencing symptoms will soon be available at the Health Center’s Red Bank location.
“Saliva tests are less intrusive than the deep nasal swabs that have been widely used since the coronavirus pandemic broke out. They are safer for health care workers administering the procedure and they require less personal protective equipment than the deep nasal swab,” said Christopher Rinn, CEO of VNACJ Community Health Center Inc. “The saliva is simply collected in a tube with an RNA preservative solution.”
“As testing expands across the state, it is vital that we prioritize vulnerable populations such as those served by New Jersey’s Federally Qualified Health Centers,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli.
Andrew Brooks, Ph.D., professor of genetics at Rutgers said, “The continued expansion and repeat testing using a saliva-based approach in the community will have a tremendous impact on making sure New Jersey is prepared to resume normal day activities.”
Patients who are experiencing symptoms or think they have been exposed to the coronavirus should schedule an appointment by contacting the health center at 732-774-6333 or vnachc.org.
The article originally appeared in the May 7th – May 13th, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.
