BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota (FOX 9) – COVID-19’s first saliva test on the Twin Cities metro opened in Brooklyn Park on Tuesday.
It is one of 10 semi-permanent saliva sites that Minnesota plans to open across the country to increase its COVID-19 control capacity. There are already open saliva sites in Duluth, Winona and Moorhead.
The COVID-19 saliva check can now be obtained in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
The saliva test is a polymer chain reaction test (PCR), just like the nasal swab, which is an antigen test. MDH says saliva controls are as accurate as the nasal swab.
To collect the saliva sample, an individual spits into a funnel connected to a small control tube until a sufficient amount of sage is collected. Then close the tube with a lid that releases a preservative into the sample, keeping it ready for up to two weeks without refrigeration. The effects of the test should be performed within 48 to 72 hours.
The Brooklyn Park Saliva Analysis Laboratory, located in the former Office Max Building of starlite Center Mall, will be open Monday through Friday from 12 to 19 hours and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 16 hours. You can schedule an appointment in advance, but appointment visits are also allowed.
The opening of Brooklyn Park’s saliva control coincides with the opening of the state’s new saliva control lab in Oakdale, which is expected to more than double the state’s COVID-19 research capacity.