https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/covid-19-spit-tests-used-by-nba-are-now-authorized-by-fda/

A shortage in U.S. testing capacity has been a major bottleneck in containment efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed its own test kits and distributed them nationwide. But problems with their chemical reagents and overly strict testing criteria caused major setbacks. The Food and Drug Administration later gave companies the green light to make their own assays, and testing capacity increased significantly. But the numbers of tests has declined worryingly in recent weeks, possibly because fewer people are seeking them as a result of long lines and wait times.

Now Yale University researchers have developed a saliva-based assay that is easier to administer and analyze than the standard nasal swabs and can be manufactured using a range of chemical suppliers. The FDA granted the COVID-19 diagnostic test, called SalivaDirect, an emergency use authorization last week.