Japan approves safer, easier PCR virus test using saliva english.kyodonews.net

KYODO NEWS - 1 hour ago - 13:02 | All, Japan, CoronavirusJapan approved Tuesday a polymerase chain reaction coronavirus test using saliva, which is much safer and easier compared to the currently dominant method that collects mucus from back part of the nose.
It is expected to pose less infection risk to medical staff as examinees only provide their saliva in a container at medical facilities.
As it leaves medical staff collecting the sample prone to potential infection, they need to wear goggles and gown.
This has become a sticking point in expanding the scale of the PCR test.
It will also be used for patients with coronavirus symptoms and staff at medical institutions to avoid in-hospital infection.