SHIELD ILLINOIS SALIVA TEST

SHIELD Illinois is a screening testing program and infrastructure that deploys the University of Illinois’ innovative saliva test across the state.
ABOUT OUR TEST

BENEFITS OF OUR TEST

LOW COST

The SHIELD Illinois test costs $20-$30, compared to $100+ for a standard nasal swab test

FAST NOTIFICATION

Current notification time for the saliva test is less than 24 hours, compared to a 2-3 day turnaround time for most currently available tests.

WIDESPREAD TESTING

Through advantages in cost, speed and accuracy, the saliva tests can increase access to testing and control spread by identifying pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers.

EASE OF USE

The saliva-based test is non-invasive and does not need medically trained personnel to collect samples.

HIGH ACCURACY

The saliva test has a specificity of 99.8-99.9%, with very few false positives. High specificity combined with frequent testing makes the SHIELD saliva-based test extremely accurate.

EXPANSION IN ILLINOIS

SHIELD Illinois is partnering with universities, companies, school districts, healthcare facilities, and other organizations to launch collection sites. Any organization can become a testing sponsor by subsidizing the cost of tests for a group of people.

RESPONSIBILITIES

TEST SPONSOR

Commit to paying for a minimum number of tests per week for sponsored group members
Manage communications with group members regarding testing requirements, collection site locations, process and results reporting
Provide and maintain a detailed sponsored group roster compatible with SHIELD Illinois’ information management system

Learn more Become a Sponsor

COLLECTION SITE PARTNER

Provide space to collect up to 1,000+ samples per day
Manage, staff, and operate site to collect samples from sponsored groups and affiliates
Transport samples between collection site and lab

Learn more Host a Collection Site

LAB PARTNER*

Manage, staff, and run the testing in a CLIA-certified lab
Provide lab space and director
Communicate and integrate with the SHIELD team

IMPACT

Save lives by curbing the spread of COVID-19, while reducing productivity loss and prioritizing employee wellbeing. Communicate with community/organization about testing procedure.

* At this time, we are not searching for any additional lab partners

BACKGROUND

SHIELD Illinois uses a saliva-based test that is easy to administer, scalable, sensitive and specific to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Current notification time for the saliva test is only six to 12 hours whereas turnaround time for currently available tests is around two to three days, or longer. The test produces rapid results at costs significantly below current alternatives such as nasal swabs. Through cost and speed advantages, the saliva tests can increase access to testing and control spread of the virus by identifying pre- symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers.

It was designed by Urbana-Champaign researchers Martin Burke, Paul Hergenrother, Timothy Fan, Fadi Alnaji, Christopher Brooke, Kelsie Green, Robin Holland, Diana Rose Ranoa, and Leyi Wang, who created a testing and strategy they named SHIELD. This effort was supported by Chancellor Robert Jones, Provost Andreas Cangellaris, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Susan Martinis and their leadership team. This method of targeting, testing, and telling is currently being used at all three universities within the University of Illinois System. SHIELD Illinois is working to deploy this testing strategy throughout Illinois and nationwide. Read more about the Illinois-developed saliva-based test.