URI Researchers Develop Saliva-Based Coronavirus Test

KINGSTON, RI — Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have developed a new coronavirus test that uses saliva, rather than often-invasive nasal swabs. The swab is set to be implemented for testing across URI campuses soon.

The team developing the new test was led by Angela Slitt, a professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical studies at URI. It has been in development since last spring, and uses branched DNA assay technology unlike polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests. While PCR tests are very sensitive and effective, the process is more involved and require sophisticated technology to synthesize the test swabs. Slitt's team started looking into alternatives when the state hit a major supply chain hurdle as the pandemic was getting underway.

"One of the things we set out to do was to develop a less invasive, more cost-effective, more accessible test," Slitt said. "And I think we’ve done that. We use saliva, work off different supply chains, use different, less cost-prohibitive instrumentation and are effectively lowering the barriers to entry for many."

The team will launch a clinical trial for the test this week, the university said in a statement. It is part of the final phase of data collection before it is submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization.

The team is working with the Rhode Island Department of Health and Thermo Fisher Scientific of Waltham, Massachusetts to validate the test and create the supply chain for distributing the test.

If the test is approved by the FDA, Slitt believes it could be one of the few of its kind to be made available worldwide. Data collected so far shows a similar level of sensitivity of "viral load" to other saliva tests on the market, meaning it is useful for gauging how infectious a person is and therefore how likely they are to spread COVID-19 to others.

The clinical trial starting this week will be conducted in partnership with URI Athletics, testing student-athletes and others who agree to join the study. A special lab has been set up at the Kingston campus for the trial.

"From start to finish this has been an extraordinary team effort drawing on expertise and support from across the University, as well as from the Rhode Island Department of Health and experts in industry, to protect our students and make a positive impact for others," URI President David Dooley said. "The development of the test and the lab really speak to our mission as a research university engaged in relevant work that affects people’s lives."