THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Monday, November 2, 2020
Vol. 130, No. 22
COLLEGIAN.COM
Mechanical engineering major Shahzeb Chaudhary works at a testing site inside Canvas Stadium Oct. 31. Chaudhary said this job is “very risky” but also “very essential” to make sure that Colorado State University can prevent large outbreaks. PHOTO BY RYAN SCHMIDT THE COLLEGIAN
CSU researchers develop saliva-based COVID-19 test By Nicole Taylor @nicoletaylor_32
Amid the rising COVID-19 cases and need for testing, Colorado State University has created a new, more efficient coronavirus detection test. Associate Director of the Prion Research Center Mark Zabel collaborated with other scientists to create a test that
allows for more students to be tested — and faster. The saliva test is known as the Multiplexed Primers and Pools ddPCR (MP4) testing algorithm, Zabel said. It is currently being reviewed for Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization, according to Zabel. The test is conducted through individuals filling a
tube to the two-milliliter mark with saliva, he said. Zabel explained the use of saliva over nasal swabs ensures a more consistent sample. The test detects SARSCoV-2 by testing saliva that individuals collect themselves, meaning it requires less protective equipment and expertise, according to Zabel. The test also helps reduce waste
produced by testing kits. The University hopes that the new tests will allow them to “scale up” testing numbers, according to CSU’s saliva screening test website. CSU administrators have made it the primary test and expanded the opportunity for students and staff to be tested, according to the website. Zabel explained that
including individual samples in multiple, unique pools allows for faster, more accurate identification of individual positive samples within pools. “This is especially useful for college campuses, as students are being tested in groups in order to reduce spreading of COVID-19,” Zabel said. see COVID-19 on page 3 >>