A major step forward could be coming as the first at-home test for COVID-19 has been emergency approved and could be available within weeks.
The Food and Drug Administration announced the emergency approval of a nasal swab test from LabCorp on Tuesday, approving the tests for health care workers and first responders initially who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
“Our at-home collection kits are designed to make it easier and safer to test healthcare workers and first responders during this important time,” said LabCorp president and CEO Adam Schechter in a statement.
Using LabCorp's Pixel test, a patient can swab their nose to collect a sample at home and mail the specimen to the company's lab for testing, reducing the risk of exposure for health care workers.
The company intends to make the test, expected to cost about $119 and requiring a doctor's order, available to the general public in the coming weeks.
Miami Beach is working with several companies in an attempt to get the test to the general public as soon as possible. Officials expect the FDA to approve the test for general use soon in an effort to the stop the spread of the virus.
