Saliva PCR Tests at FLC Testing Site

October 26, 2020

Campus Community,

Fort Lewis College is excited to partner with COVIDCheck Colorado to offer our community the first opportunity to experience a cutting-edge COVID-19 testing experience via a pilot study of SalivaDirect™. 

SalivaDirect™ is an FDA Emergency Use Authorization-approved PCR testing protocol where sample material is collected from a participant's saliva, rather than via nasal swab. The NBA has been using SalivaDirect in “the bubble” to test its players and it will soon be rolled out to other organizations, institutions, and populations around the country. SalivaDirect PCR is as sensitive as nasal PCR and is both more convenient and comfortable for participants than the nasal swab test.

COVIDCheck Colorado is bringing SalivaDirect™ to our community via a pilot beginning on Monday, October 26th. All participants will have the opportunity to test with saliva. In the case that a participant cannot provide saliva, on-site staff will be able to use a nasal swab. With SalivaDirect™, saliva samples are self-collected at our testing site under the supervision of a medical professional and then transported to a local lab, enabling results to be delivered to you within 24-48 hours.  If you test positive for COVID-19 through this pilot test, we will ask you to test again with a nasal PCR test.  Once the pilot test process is complete, in the next week or so, this follow-up exam will not be necessary.

We are excited to be one of COVIDCheck Colorado’s first partners to launch SalivaDirect™ via a pilot. This initial pilot will be instrumental in enabling our community and all of CCC’s clients to benefit from this easier and faster testing option. CCC’s goal is to bring SalivaDirect™ to all of its Colorado sites by November. Once they do so, their recommendation will be for everyone to take this more convenient, lower cost test weekly to limit outbreaks and keep all members of our community safe and healthy. 

Please continue to register for your ongoing COVID-19 testing at www.fortlewis.edu/covid19testing and adhere to the follow-up guidance you receive with your testing confirmation to ensure a positive testing experience. If you have already registered for a COVID-19 test in the next week, please know that you should follow these pre-test instructions in advance of your saliva test to ensure an accurate result:

• 30 minutes prior to your appointment, please do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or use nasal sprays 
• 10 minutes prior to your appointment, please do not drink water

Note: It is very important to follow these pre-test instructions. Failure to comply may result in an inaccurate result.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping our community safe! 

Jeff Dupont  |  (He/His/Him)
Associate Vice President
Student Affairs Division
Skyhawk Station
Fort Lewis College