Yale Researchers, NBA Partner On Saliva-Based COVID-19 Test

Researchers at Yale announced that they have been working with the NBA and players union to "study the efficacy of a saliva-based method that quickly determines if someone is infected with the novel coronavirus," according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY. Researchers have "developed a COVID-19 testing method called SalivaDirect." The test is "not mandatory and will be used on players, coaches and staff from NBA teams who voluntarily opt in to the study." There is "buy-in from the NBPA." The non-invasive SalivaDirect test was "developed as an alternative to nasopharyngeal swabbing method for COVID-19 testing." The Yale test requires "just a small saliva sample, and according to researchers, it provides a testing method that is less expensive, requires minimal training and reduces risk to healthcare workers." Since NBA players will be tested regularly for COVID-19, this will give researchers a "chance to compare test results" (USA TODAY, 6/23).