FDA issues emergency authorization for virus saliva test

A new coronavirus test gets approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Fox News Radio reports the FDA on Saturday issued an emergency use authorization for the new Saliva Direct coronavirus test developed by Yale University and the National Basketball Association.

The test processes saliva samples to rapidly determine whether a person is infected with the coronavirus. It does not need any swab or other specific collection device. It is also far cheaper than other tests, costing about $4 before adding labor costs.

That price tag, and a quick turnaround time, could encouraging more testing.