My Turn 1: Resident alarmed by testing practice

Reference The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics news release of December 2020, WebMD’s website:

“A self-collected saliva sample is as good at detecting COVID-19 as a nasal swab administered by a health care worker - without exposing medical staff to the virus while collecting the sample. The use of self-collected saliva has the potential to minimize health care worker exposure and decrease the need to specialized collection devices, such as swabs and viral transport media.

"The saliva tests detected the virus’ genetic material in saliva samples at similar rates as swabs that collected material through the mouth or nose. Researchers detected no difference in concentration at the time of collection, eight hours later or 24 hours later. The findings hold great promise for broad testing strategies that would mitigate risk of infection for health care workers while preserving PPE. The use of self-collected saliva provides a cheaper and less-invasive option for viable sample collection. This can improve patient compliance and satisfaction.”

On Feb. 8, 2021, as I was waiting in line in the Kootenai Health COVID testing area, I witnessed a horrific and invasive procedure using nasal swab tests. The car next to me had a teenager crying before and after receiving this invasive procedure. Also observed was her mother in the front seat with her hand over her mouth in horror of her daughter being violated in such a manner.

Another car pulled forward and had two infants in car seats in the back. These babies were given this test and their mothers were forced to watch their loved ones being emotionally and physically abused.

When my turn came, I advised the Kootenai Health employee that I thought this procedure was inhumane. In Spokane I was able to obtain a mouth swab before a procedure I had scheduled. She explained that the test I referred to was less accurate. The above proves otherwise. This shows deception and lying. Self-collected saliva tests are being performed at different pharmacies in CDA.

Why is Kootenai Health demanding this very invasive, inhumane procedure and spending more money for health care personnel to provide the testing and for the PPE they have to wear when there is a procedure available to avoid this torture?

JoAnn Lokken is a Coeur d'Alene resident.