FDA approves 2 rapid coronavirus tests to be sold over-the-counter for at-home use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved two rapid, over-the-counter coronavirus tests that will soon hit drugstore shelves for easy, at-home testing capabilities.

The FDA in a Wednesday announcement said it has approved Abbott’s BinaxNow and Quidel’s QuickVue tests that the public will soon be able to purchase without a doctor’s prescription.

"Screening testing, especially with the over-the-counter tests authorized today, is an important part of the country’s pandemic response—many schools, workplaces, communities, and other entities are setting up testing programs to quickly screen for COVID-19. With the FDA’s authorization of multiple tests, the public can be assured these tests have met our scientific standards for emergency use authorization. As we’ve said all along if it’s a good test, we’ll authorize it," said Dr. Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in a statement.

Both tests require the user to collect a sample via a nasal swab that is then inserted into a test strip. Results take between 10 and 20 minutes.

02 April, 2021

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