FDA Approves First COVID-19 Saliva Test

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

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25th Council session information coming soon.

FDA Approves First COVID-19 Saliva Test

May 11, 2020, 10:11 AM by MSDC Staff

The FDA has approved a saliva-based test for COVID-19, which could soon expand non-invasive testing options for COVID-19.

On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the first approval of a saliva test for COVID-19 using its emergency use authorization authority (EUA).

Researchers at Rutgers University (NJ) received the approval for the antigen test. The process will permit patients to spit into a tube multiple times, and the saliva samples can be tested in an approved laboratory. This process has the potential to save essential PPE for healthcare workers as the process has less exposure than the current nasal swab process.

Currently the test is limited to the Rutgers University system. The FDA is also recommending to patients that a negative test result using the antigen method should be confirmed with a second established testing method. This is because the test has about a 15% false negative rating.

Prior to this approval, the FDA had issued EUAs for two types of tests. The first was the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, "a molecular diagnostic testing technique that detects genetic materiel from the virus". The second type of test are serological tests "that look for antibodies to the virus, which can help identify individuals who have developed an adaptive immune response to the virus".

The antigen test approvals comes at the same time some private labs have publicly committed to unveiling at-home tests in the near future. The FDA still encourages antigen testing to be done in a healthcare setting, but further expansion could pave the way for more antigen testing in different locations.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.