First At-Home Coronavirus Test Approved by FDA
The first at-home COVID-19 test will soon be available for $50.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Nov 19, 2020
The FDA announced on November 17 that it had approved the first diagnostic at-home self-administered coronavirus test, according to NPR.
The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit will be sold for $50. The molecular single-use test works by being swirled in a swabbed sample and placed in a hand-held test unit. Results are available in 30 minutes, with the unit’s display lighting up to inform users of a positive or negative test result.
“While COVID-19 diagnostic tests have been authorized for at-home collection, this is the first that can be fully self-administered and provide results at home,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn.
The test will be available via prescription to people who are 14-years-old and older. Younger patients must receive the test from a health care professional.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.