US approves first rapid home Covid-19 test kits - Latest Updates

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Wednesday, November 18, 2020

US approves first rapid home Covid-19 test kits

The US issued an emergency use authorization for the first self-administered rapid coronavirus test Tuesday, as more parts of the country increase restrictions in an attempt to halt a Covid-19 surge.

The Food and Drug Administration approved a testing kit for people age 14 and older whom a doctor suspects to have Covid-19.

The test, which is by prescription only, delivers results in 30 minutes.

"We continue to demonstrate unprecedented speed in response to #COVID19," tweeted FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn.

"FDA authorised the first #COVID19 test that's fully self-administered & provides results at home. It's an important advancement, underscoring our commitment to expanding test access."

The viral is inserted into a small device that tests the sample. A light-up display on the device shows a user's result in 30 minutes or less.

The FDA had previously approved at-home Covid-19 tests, giving the green light in late April and early May to two nasal sample collection kits and one saliva sample collection kit.

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