The FDA yesterday approved the first rapid at-home COVID-19 test yesterday. It is expected that this test will help reduce turnaround times and curtail the spread of the virus among healthcare workers.
“This new testing option is an important diagnostic advancement to address the pandemic and reduce the public burden of disease transmission,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said. “Today’s action underscores the FDA’s ongoing commitment to expand access to COVID-19 testing.”
The 30- minute test is for those 14 and older and can only be delivered by prescription from the California-based manufacturer Lucira Health.
Relatively simple to administer, the user takes a nasal swab and places into a vial that plugs into a portable testing unit.
Within 30 minutes, the device interprets the results and displays whether the person tested positive or negative for COVID-19.
The FDA has authorized nearly 300 coronavirus tests to date. Previously, a handful allowed people to collect their own nasal or saliva sample at home, which they then shipped to a lab, usually having to wait days to get back their results.
