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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFDA authorizes first at-home coronavirus test
The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the first prescription at-home coronavirus test, in a long-awaited milestone.
The test, developed by Lucira Health, can be used by people who are at least 14 years old when their health provider suspects they have Covid-19, the FDA said late Tuesday. The test can be used on younger people, but in that case a health care provider must collect the sample.
The test involves swabbing the inside of the nose, placing the swab in a vial and swirling it before putting the vial in a "test unit." The process gives results in 30 minutes or less.
FDA medical device director Jeff Shuren said the test, which can be fully run outside a lab or health care settings, represents a significant step forward.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/11/17/fda-authorizes-first-at-home-coronavirus-test-437295
My understanding is the swab needs to be shoved way up the nasal cavity. It's rather uncomfortable. It's for that reason I'm wondering if the average layman would get a proper sample for an accurate test.
Sucha NastyWoman
(2,748 posts)soryang
(3,299 posts)so how is it quick? It will cost more than 50 dollars because you need a prescription. doesn't seem timely.
littlemissmartypants
(22,640 posts)I don't think I could collect my own sample without wincing. I'd have to have a ruthless family member or friend do it which would mean stepping out of my bubble of one, me. I think getting it done at the doctor's office is a much better option than buying an expensive test that I would have difficulty administering correctly thereby risking an inaccurate result. No thanks. YMMV.
❤ lmsp