U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves first saliva test to diagnose coronavirus

Rutgers University researchers have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) clearance for the first saliva test to help diagnose coronavirus.

The saliva test is a new approach that could help expand testing options and reduce risks of infection for healthcare workers.

FDA authorised the test under its emergency powers to quickly clear new tests and therapies to fight the outbreak, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, announced on Monday.

The test will be initially available through hospitals and clinics affiliated with the school. The announcement comes as communities across the U.S. continue to struggle with testing to help track and contain the coronavirus.