OHSU study will screen wastewater, test volunteers for coronavirus

If Portland study is successful, it could open opportunities for combined wastewater and saliva testing efforts in other communities

By Erik Robinson November 18, 2020 Portland, Oregon

Downloads

Wastewater crew

A City of Portland crew member samples the wastewater on SE 141st. (City of Portland/Bureau of Environmental Services)

Saliva test for COVID-19

Guang Fan, M.D., Ph.D, associate medical director for OHSU laboratory medicine, demonstrates a specialized tube designed to collect saliva to Anthony Deloney, director of strategic initiatives for Self Enhancement Inc. OHSU and SEI are collaborating on a pilot project that combines wastewater screening with voluntary saliva testing of residents within four distinct Portland neighborhoods. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

OHSU/Erik Robinson

Anthony Deloney

Saliva test for COVID-19

Anthony Deloney of Self Enhancement Inc., demonstrates the saliva test, which is an alternative to the standard nasopharyngeal test for the novel coronavirus. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

OHSU/Erik Robinson

Donna Hansel, M.D., Ph.D.

Donna Hansel, M.D., Ph.D. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff

Wastewater screening

OHSU this week started offering voluntary testing to residents of Portland neighborhoods whose wastewater is also being screened for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. (OHSU/Erik Robinson)

OHSU/Erik Robinson