Covid-19 nasal swab test on the patient.
Lisa Maree Williams | Getty Image News | Getty Images
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously approved emergency use for a Kovid-19 trial that can be conducted entirely at home.
The agency approved a single-use test, which provides results within 30 minutes, to be used by anyone age 14 and if their health care provider suspects they have a Kovid-19 Can.
Manufactured by Luciera Health, a privately held California-based biotech company, the kit is also eligible for use in hospitals, although patients under 14 must have a sample collected by the health care provider.
The FDA did not disclose the cost of the test. The company’s website says the test “costs less than $ 50.”
FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a press release, “While Kovid-19 clinical trials have been authorized for in-house collection, this is the first that can be completely self-administered and provide results at home. “
“This new trial option is an important clinical advancement to address the epidemic and reduce the public burden of disease transmission,” he said.
Nasal swab testing involves swapping of a patient’s self-collected sample in a vial, which is then placed in a test unit. Results appear on the light-up display of the test within 30 minutes.
The FDA stated that individuals who test positive should self-isolate and seek additional care from their health care provider. Those who test negative and experience symptoms like Kovid should also follow up with their health care provider.