Andrew Brooks, who led development of 1st approved COVID-19 spit test, dies at 51
By Kelly Hayes article
Andrew Brooks is pictured at the RUCDR Infinite Biologics soon after the Rutgers COVID-19 saliva test received emergency approval from the FDA in April 2020. (Credit: Rutgers University/Nick Romanenko)
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - A Rutgers University research professor who was a key figure in the development of the first coronavirus spit test has died at age 51, the university said.
Andrew Brooks, 51, is credited with developing the first saliva-based test for COVID-19, which received FDA emergency approval last spring when tests were limited.
A resident picks up the package after a drone delivered a COVID-19 self collection test kit to her home in El Paso, Texas, US, on Nov 20, 2020. [Photo/Agencies]
Americans are getting greater access to coronavirus test kits that aim to detect the virus easily and quickly from the comfort of one s home.
There are two types of at-home tests on the market. One is a saliva test, the other a swab test.
The saliva test is an alternative to the uncomfortable nasal swabs now widely used. A user dribbles saliva into a test tube, seals it and sends it to a lab. Doctors examine the secretions to determine if the person has been infected with the virus.