New self-swab tests going into use today at the Ellis Davis Field House COVID-19 testing site in Dallas are less invasive than the nasopharyngeal swabs, pictured.
Starting today (Wednesday, April 15) Dallas’ COVID-19 community based testing site at the Ellis Davis Field House will begin utilizing self-swab testing kits rather than the nasopharyngeal swabs being used so far.
The American Airlines Center CBTS location will continue using the nasopharyngeal swabs.
Randall Payton, incident commander of both CBTS locations, explained, “The self-swab testing method proves to be less invasive and is safer for patients and healthcare providers. Health and safety are the primary goals for workers and those being tested. We’re confident this new method will decrease the risk of contamination.”
The new process allows persons being tested to swab shallowly in their nose as opposed to a healthcare professional collecting a sample from further up the nasal cavity.
The self-swab kits were delivered last week and a dry run was conducted at EDFH Monday, April 14.
— Tammye Nash
