The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised the first diagnostic test for Covid-19 with a home collection option.
Specifically, the agency has re-issued the Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for LabCorp’s COVID-19RT-PCR Test to permit testing of samples collected by patients at home using LapCorp’s Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test home collection kit. Unlike routine PCR tests, which need to be inserted five to ten centimetres into the nasal cavity for a good sample, Pixel is designed to work with a swab taken from the front of the nostril.
Go deeper with GlobalData
LabCorp intents to make the test available to consumers in most US states in the coming weeks, doctor’s note permitting.
FDA commissioner Dr Stephen Hahn said: “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.”
