The test is not mandatory and will be used on players, coaches and staff from NBA teams who voluntarily opt in to the study.
The non-invasive SalivaDirect test was developed as an alternative to nasopharyngeal swabbing method for COVID-19 testing. The Yale test requires just a small saliva sample, and according to researchers, it provides a testing method that is less expensive, requires minimal training and reduces risk to healthcare workers.
“In talking to our partners at the NBA, we heard from them, that, in addition to finding less invasive testing solutions for its players and staff, there is a strong desire on their part to give back to the public and especially help low-income communities, so it became immediately clear that our interests were aligned,” assistant professor at the Yale School of Public Health Nathan Grubaugh said in a statement.
Yale researchers compared SalivaDirect tests to nasopharyngeal tests from 44 inpatients and 98 healthcare workers at Yale New Haven Hospital and found “that saliva samples taken from just inside the mouth provided greater detection sensitivity and consistency throughout the course of an infection than the broadly recommended nasopharyngeal approach. The study also concluded that there was less variability in results with the self-sample collection of saliva.
Said NBA director of sports medicine Dr. John DiFiori:"We’re hopeful that our contributions to this work will help to advance the research in the interest of broadly accessible and minimally invasive testing."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The NBA is offering players a 'smart' ring to track Covid. But does it even work?The NBA says it's offering players a ring whose maker claims it can track a user's health data and even predict if users are about to show coronavirus symptoms. But there's not much information yet on how well the device works.
Read more »
Wizards' Davis Bertans To Sit Out NBA Restart In Orlando, Hitting Free AgencyIf the Washington Wizards are gonna make a long-shot run for the NBA playoffs, it'll be without one of their best players ... 'cause Davis Bertans has decided to skip the restart in Orlando.
Read more »
Why Every NBA Player Is Getting a RingThe return of basketball depends on testing and tracing—and technology like the smart Oura ring that players have the option of wearing. But will they?
Read more »
Dimitrov positive for COVID-19, exhibition event canceledGrigor Dimitrov says he has tested positive for COVID-19, making him the highest-profile tennis player to reveal he has the virus.
Read more »
NIH Halts Hydroxychloroquine Study; Says 'Unlikely' To Help COVID-19 PatientsThe National Institutes of Health has halted its study of hydroxychloroquine, saying the drug appeared to provide 'no additional benefit compared to placebo control' for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Read more »
6 Trump Staffers Test Positive For COVID-19 Ahead Of Tulsa RallyThe event is moving ahead as scheduled. None of the staffers who tested positive for the virus or anyone who was in immediate contact with them will attend.
Read more »