If you have to COVID-19 test,
make sure you use the Optimal Testing Requirements

While A Voice for Choice Advocacy does not agree with COVID-19 testing mandates, we recognize that many are required to test on an ongoing basis.  Societal mandates for COVID-19 testing have become the norm as a condition of employment, being allowed on schools and college campuses, entry to certain buildings, events, etc.  If you are being required to be tested for SARS-COV-2 on a regular basis, you should understand the test options available and request a test that is as non-invasive and as accurate as possible.

A Voice for Choice Advocacy has researched the SARS-COV-2 tests that are available, and while none are ideal, if you are required to be tested, our recommendations are as follows:

• Tests which require saliva over nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, oropharyngeal (OP) swabs, anterior nasal swabs, mid-turbinate nasal swabs, nasopharyngeal wash/aspirates, nasal wash/aspirate specimens and/or bronchoalveolar lavage.
• Sequencing tests over PCR tests, which are newer to the market, but they are much more accurate. 
• PCR tests with Cycle thresholds (Ct) under 35, preferably under 30.  Above 35 the rates of false positive are extremely high
• Labs that do not share test information, including but not limited to saliva/swap samples, DNA and/or other genetic information with any third party.
• Ability to immediately retest if the PCR test comes back positive and the employee is asymptomatic, to rule out a false positive.

A Voice for Choice Advocacy has requested that each county in California offer at least one free COVID-19 testing site that offers saliva testing: https://avoiceforchoiceadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AVFCA-Requesting-Saliva-Testing-in-every-county.pdf

To request saliva testing be adopted by your employer/school/university, complete the second page of this document and submit it to them: https://avoiceforchoiceadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AVFCA-SARS-COV-2-Optimal-Testing-Requirements.pdf
Requests to change to saliva testing are most successful if there are many making the request at the same time.  Usually even people who do not have a problem with the swab testing prefer saliva testing if given the option, so reach out to other colleagues and students to do the same.  If you are part of a union, also submit the request to them and ask them to request saliva testing on your behalf.

For more information, including labs and testing facilities go to: www.avoiceforchoiceadvocacy.org/COVID19-testing.  If you know of any other free/insurance covered testing facilities that offer COVID-19 saliva testing, please email us at [email protected], so we can add them to the list.

If you found this information helpful and appreciate the work A Voice for Choice Advocacy is doing, please support us by making a donation today.
 

Together we can make change happen!

C

Christina Hildebrand
President/Founder
A Voice for Choice Advocacy, Inc.
[email protected]
www.AVoiceForChoiceAdvocacy.org