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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the first at-home COVID-19 test kit, which could make it easier for Americans to test themselves for the novel coronavirus.
What’s the news:
- LabCorp, a diagnostics company that produces coronavirus tests, will administer the at-home test to first responders and health service workers first.
- People can use the test to take a swab of fluid from their nose. You swirl a cotton swab inside of your nose. Then, you send the swab into a lab for testing.
- “Self-sampling sidesteps the need for a clinician to perform the test, reducing their exposure to symptomatic patients. It also frees up more personal protective equipment, which is in short supply,” according to The Verge.
- The test costs $119.
What they’re saying:
- FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn said in a statement: “Throughout this pandemic we have been facilitating test development to ensure patients access to accurate diagnostics, which includes supporting the development of reliable and accurate at-home sample collection options. The FDA’s around-the-clock work since this outbreak began has resulted in the authorization of more than 50 diagnostic tests and engagement with over 350 test developers. Specifically, for tests that include home sample collection, we worked with LabCorp to ensure the data demonstrated from at-home patient sample collection is as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor’s office, hospital or other testing site. With this action, there is now a convenient and reliable option for patient sample collection from the comfort and safety of their home.”
Some context:
- Companies have tried to create at-home tests for the coronavirus. But the FDA said these tests needed additional authorization to avoid side effects and potential damage. The LabCorp test is the first one to receive the authorization.
- Earlier this month, the FDA approved a COVID-19 test that used saliva samples to detect the virus, as Anne Wallace reported. The test came from Rutgers University’s RUCDR Infinite Biologics. The test called for patients to put their spit into a tube.