Bergen New Bridge Medical Center To Offer COVID-19 Saliva Tests

PARAMUS, NJ — Bergen New Bridge Medical Center announced Friday that COVID-19 saliva testing is now available. Previously, the medical center had been offering nasal swab and serology IgG antibody testing.

“The saliva test is a game changer,” said Bergen New Bridge President and CEO Deborah Visconi in a statement. “The test is easier on the patient as it no longer requires an uncomfortable nasal or throat swab and it eliminates the need for a healthcare professional in full PPE to have to administer the test, be in close proximity and exposed to respiratory droplets of the patient."

She also added that it eliminates risk to front-line lab personnel who handle the traditional swab samples.

“I am pleased that Bergen New Bridge’s clinical affiliation with Rutgers helped the Medical Center to adopt this innovative test in the war against COVID-19,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco in a statement. “Bergen County and the Medical Center are lockstep with Governor Murphy regarding the need for increased testing in order to responsibly and logically begin to open New Jersey.”

Tests are ordered exclusively through Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s telehealth network, Bergen New Bridge Cares, with over 35 physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who have been working at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bergen County.

Physician telehealth evaluations and testing are by appointment only Monday – Friday via www.newbridgehealth.org.