FDA authorizes first at-home coronavirus test

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

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]

1. Sounds too expensive considering the level of accuracy.

[soryang]

2. limited distribution at first, need a prescription

so how is it quick? It will cost more than 50 dollars because you need a prescription. doesn't seem timely.

[littlemissmartypants]

3. When I was tested the nurse collecting the sample gave me a nose bleed that lasted for over 30 mins.

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