Rockford Noses Rejoice After Saliva-Based COVID Test Announcement

A new FDA-approved COVID-19 test will make its way to Rockford in a matter of weeks. The current test, which I have experienced, is not completely nightmarish like some might describe. Yes, someone is sticking a long q-tip up your nose. Yes, it might look like it's long enough to itch your brain. And, yes, it is a weird sensation. But, no, it not as terrible as early testers led many of us to believe. If the thought of the current test still freaks you out you will be happy to know a new test has been given the green light by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The results of this test are also a heck of a lot quicker than the current drive-thru swabbing.

This test, described as a "game-changer" comes from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has nothing to do with getting swabbed. In fact, a teething baby or someone dog might be the best with this test. I'm talking about droolers. That is all you will have to do with this test, according to WREX.

SHIELD Illinois hopes to expand the testing to local organizations and businesses who want to screen their employees, students or members to control the spread of COVID-19 in their organizations.

This new SHIELD test costs less than the current test and yields results in 6 to 12 hours. How does it work? WREXs wording is the best, "just drool in a tube." Heck, you might even be able to do this test in your sleep. Learn more about it here.

JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.