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A New Zealand expert who tested the accuracy of a Covid-19 saliva test being used at Auckland Airport says it as good a nasal swab, but it's cheaper and faster.
New Zealand business Rako Science is providing the saliva test developed by the University of Illinois that's conducted 1.3 million on-campus tests.
Victoria University Associate Professor, Dr Janet Pitman, was part of the team that checked the accuracy of the test.
Lisa Owen asked her which is better - the nasal or spit test.
The Ministry of Health is running a totally separate saliva testing programme in one of its MIQ hotels, but says the nasopharyngeal swabbing method is considered the gold standard for Covid-19 testing as it detects the virus the most effectively.
This swab type will obtain the optimal specimen and is the preferred collection method for both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing due to its higher sensitivity in detecting the virus.
At this stage saliva PCR testing will complement current PCR testing, not replace it.