Lucira Health's test was approved in an emergency format • Results will be received within half an hour • A person will be able to test himself, but the results will be collected by the test provider
The test by Lucira Health
Photography:
Reuters
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last night (Wednesday) approved for the first time, an emergency approval, a home test for self-use to detect corona virus.
The results of the approved tests are obtained within half an hour from the moment the test was performed.
The test by Lucira Health detects the virus at a level of 94 percent certainty for positive results and 98 percent certainty for negative results.
The test approved for home use can be done by the person himself, but the results should be collected by the test supplier or the manufacturer, as determined by the FDA.
The test was also approved for use only in boys over 14 years of age.
This is the first test approved at this speed for personal use, and is, as mentioned, the result of a development by Lucira Health.
In fact, this is a huge step forward because the test will allow people who suspect they have contracted the virus to perform the tests themselves, in the presence of a professional or medical professional who supplies the product, without going outside.
Another significant advantage given by performing these tests will be reflected in the process of preparing people for flights, or entry into green areas such as the city of Eilat and Dead Sea hotels.
In places where the test is already available people can do the test at home, in the presence of a medical representative, get the results very quickly, and know if they are carriers of the corona virus.
Stephen Hahn, head of the FDA, commented on the approval of the test and said: "While there are already a number of tests approved to be performed at home, this is the first test that can actually be performed quickly and self-indoors without the need to take the sample elsewhere."
FDA Director of Marketing Jeff Shoren noted, "We expect more rapid types of testing to be developed and self-supervised."
