FDA updates coronavirus self-testing guidelines after UW study
A new study from the University of Washington is helping clear the way for faster coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, while also helping protect health care workers and preserve personal protective equipment (PPE).
The study, which was conducted by UW’s Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences and UnitedHealth Group Research & Development and released Tuesday, found that self-collected COVID-19 samples from nearly 500 patients accurately detected the virus more than 90% of the time in positive cases. The 90% detection rate is consistent with samples collected from health care workers.
The UW said the self-sampling method is “significantly less invasive” and allows patients to collect a sample from the front part of their nostrils and mid-nose. Current COVID-19 testing requires samples from “deep inside the patient’s nasal cavity” and must be collected by a trained health care worker wearing PPE.
"Nasal swabs are extremely easy for anyone to self-collect, in any setting. So it's an excellent way to expand screening while reducing worker exposure," said Gerard Cangelosi, study co-author and professor in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/fda-updates-coronavirus-self-testing-guidelines-after-uw-study/ar-BB11LqKZ?ocid=hplocalnews