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Covid-19: Middlesex County Opens Nation's 1st Drive-Thru Saliva Test

New rapid-response tests for coronavirus will be deployed this week in Middlesex County, the first of their kind in the United States, authorities said.

Middlesex County in partnership with RUCDR Infinite Biologics, RWJBarnabas Health, and Accurate Diagnostic Labs, are on the forefront of innovation in the fight against COVID-19, offering for the first-time a saliva-based test to the community on a mass scale.

The test was granted emergency-use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Saturday.

The test will be available at the drive-thru testing facility at 33 Kilmer Road in Edison, the county said in a press statement.  The tests will be provided for free to first responders and county residents.

"We believe we are the first to do so at this scale via a drive-thru testing facility,'' said a spokesperson for Middlesex County.

The test is expected to provide results within 24 to 48 hours.

"Thankfully we have a rare advantage in such a critical time to be able to rapidly deploy increased testing capabilities and accelerated results, while protecting our frontline workers,” Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios said in a press statement.

The new saliva test has several advantages over the nasal or throat swab test, officials said, including a pain-free procedure.

Saliva tests will be taken on Monday, Wednesday and Friday's at Kilmer Vehicle Inspection/ Driving Testing Center in Edison.

Registrants must bring a completed registration form and proof of residency including, but not limited to: a valid driver’s license; state issued identification; or two pieces of mail including utility bills, bank statements, or similar documentation with name and address, to the testing site.

For details and to pre-register, click here. 

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