US gives a green signal for the first self-testing kit for diagnosis of Covid-19

Photo Credits: REUTERS

United States has given the approval for the first diagnostic kit regarding the self-testing at home, which will be an added tool for fighting the pandemic as the nation has a heavy burden regarding the testing of the general population. Based on the official statement passed by the government agency on Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has passed an emergency approval and authorization for the rapid result All-In-One Test Kit developed by Lucira Health Inc.

About Lucira Test:

For self-diagnosis of Covid-19, the Lucira test is still available exclusively on authorized prescription, and the results of the test are mandate to be submitted to the government by the healthcare providers, said FDA. The Lucira test is functional by swirling the swab sample and containing it in a vial, which will be then placed in the test unit. The outcome of the test will be revealed directly on the test unit’s light up display. Apart from personal use for individuals at their houses, the kit is also given approval for utilization by the doctor’s offices, hospitals and emergency rooms.

The Lucira test is specially designed for efficient personal assessment unlike other Covid-19 tests and will administer the results in as early as 30 minutes. This is a major support to the strain on laboratories testing for Covid-19 in a country with the most number of Covid-19 cases in the world. However, it comes with the loopholes of being devoid of absolute precision and accuracy.

FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn stated, “This new testing option is an important diagnostic advancement to address the pandemic and reduce the public burden of disease transmission.”

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