What’s behind UCD’s coronavirus testing? 3 minute read Research assistant Nicole Slattengren readies saliva-filled pipette tips for transfer to a 384-well plate. UC Davis/Courtesy photo Support Local Journalism UC Davis is “passing the COVID test with flying colors,” MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle said, using a play on words as she concluded a recent interview with Professor Brad Pollock, associate dean for public health sciences, about the university’s COVID-19 testing program. The saliva testing program started Sept. 14 when students began moving into campus housing for fall quarter, and subsequently expanded to serve the community through Healthy Davis Together.