USC introduces rapid coronavirus saliva testing for students, faculty and staff

The University of South Carolina will begin using a new type of coronavirus testing on campus starting Wednesday.

Unlike the traditional tests — which take several days to get results — the saliva tests can get results back within 24 hours, USC said in a news release.

Adding saliva testing, “makes it possible for the university to test thousands of students and employees daily for COVID-19,” the statement said.

Testing — dubbed “SAFE,” for Saliva Assay Free Expedited — will be available for students, faculty and staff, the release said.

The SAFE tests were developed by USC College of Pharmacy researchers and works by identifying coronavirus DNA, statement said. After the test was developed, Nephron Pharmaceuticals donated 50,000 sample tubes and a testing robot to USC to speed up testing.

“If we want to stop the spread of this deadly virus, we have to expand COVID-19 screening where breakouts can occur, such as college campuses, and that is why this partnership with Carolina is so important,” Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy said in a release. “Returning to normal begins with reliable, rapid testing. We are proud to welcome the Gamecock family back to campus by working together with the university to make this kind of test available.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently gave approval to saliva tests, which are thought to be cheaper, faster, and less uncomfortable than the swab tests.

As of Friday, the university has 26 active cases it is aware of, President Robert Caslen said last week at a board of trustees meeting. Caslen noted USC has a far lower percent positive rate, 3.9%, than statewide, where it is 11.5%, according to S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data.

“Getting test results back in hours instead of days is a game changer,” Caslen said in the statement. “Thanks to the College of Pharmacy, our COVID-19 planning group, and Nephron Pharmaceuticals, the saliva test will play a critical role in keeping our campus safe. I strongly encourage everyone in our community to take advantage of this innovative opportunity in addition to wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing.”

Through Friday, testing will be available from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Davis Field II, which is between Thomas Cooper Library, the fountain and Longstreet Theater, USC said in the release. Should poor weather prevent outdoor testing, testing will be held at Russell House University Union room 203.

Starting Monday, testing will be divided in the following way:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Davis Field II

• Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at 650 Lincoln

This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 3:15 PM.