RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) A group of senior living communities in the Triangle are using pooled saliva testing in an effort to keep their residents and staff safe. It allows us to identify active COVID very early in our community, and then subsequently respond to prevent community spread from happening, said Jaime Pacheco, the Executive Director at Magnolia Glen.
The process tests residents once a week and associates twice a week, with results typically back within 24 hours. If the pooled sample returns positive, everyone in that sample is given an individual PCR test to determine who was positive. From a programming perspective, we are confidently and thoughtfully do certain things like opening up our dining programs for in-person service, offer wellness and activity programming, said Pacheco.