'Spit in a tube' coronavirus saliva testing is being introduced at some Isle of Wight secondary schools.
The COVID-19 programme, aimed at increasing asymptomatic testing, is being rolled out across the Island and Hampshire.
A trial has already taken place in Southampton schools and the University of Southampton.
It is to open to all Island secondary schools and the Isle of Wight College, although taking part is optional says the Isle of Wight Council.
A local authority spokesperson said:
“The Isle of Wight Council is currently working with the University Hospital Southampton to introduce Saliva Testing to all secondary schools who wish to participate and the Isle of Wight College.
“The test is accurate and simple to administer. At the moment we are working with school leaders on the planning stage so that the saliva testing programme will be operational on the Island.”
Saliva testing has been dubbed 'less invasive' compared to the swab test.
It requires individuals to spit into a test tube - experts recommend transferring the saliva using a teaspoon.
Cowes Enterprise College is one of the Island schools to have already signed up.
Participating pupils who do not have COVID-19 symptoms will be provided with eight weeks worth of testing.
Kits will be taken home by students, who will be asked to take the test as soon as they wake up and before eating or drinking anything.
They will then be brought back to schools and sent to the Island's test centre.
Results will be returned within 24-48 hours and parents will receive texts revealing their child's result.
The Isle of Wight Council has also announced plans to lateral flow testing for the Island's most at-risk workers, as Isle of Wight Radio exclusively revealed.
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