Saturday, 19 July 2025
29.6 C
Singapore
32.2 C
Thailand
19 C
Indonesia
27.1 C
Philippines

FDA approves a COVID-19 home testing kit from LabCorp

LabCorp‘s at home COVID-19 RT-PCR test becomes the first home testing kit for the disease to be approved by the FDA. This test kit provides a sample of collection materials that includes the nasal swab to the user, who later uses the included package to return the sample to the lab for testing. FDA had […]

LabCorp‘s at home COVID-19 RT-PCR test becomes the first home testing kit for the disease to be approved by the FDA. This test kit provides a sample of collection materials that includes the nasal swab to the user, who later uses the included package to return the sample to the lab for testing.

FDA had not authorized any at-home testing or sample collection kits until now. It notes that testing kits by startup companies that were not authorized did not follow the guideline that they had laid out.

Some labs around the world have been providing at-home serology tests, but they are not viewed as tests that can confirm COVID-19 by the FDA. Opening up home testing even if it is just sample collection is a huge step of change in the way the FDA has been handling things.

The agency recently updated its guidelines and noted that it is working with at-home test providers to come up with the best way to make these kits available to the public as it “sees the public health value in expanding the availability of COVID-19 testing through safe and accurate tests that may include home collection.”

LabCorp is a medical diagnostics company based in the US that has experience of more than 40 years. It has provided at-home testing via its Pixel line for diabetes, cardiac lipid conditions, and cancer. From what it looks like, it seems like the FDA is favoring LabCorp’s long-standing experience in terms of opening up for at-home collection for COVID-19 and ensuring that the tests are accurate.

Testing for COVID-19 currently relies on in-clinic, hospital, and drive-through sites testing. The tests have a high bar in terms of symptom presentation and risk profile, and this administration exposes healthcare workers to COVID-19, and they might as well get infected.

At-home testing could drastically increase overall testing in the country and decrease the risk for healthcare professionals in the process. It will also help paint a better picture of the true depth and extent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hot this week

OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Agent can now complete real-world tasks for you

ChatGPT Agent from OpenAI helps you book, plan, and generate reports with ease, bringing AI task completion into your daily life.

WeTransfer clears up AI concerns after backlash over new terms

WeTransfer clarifies that it won’t use your files to train AI, following backlash over its updated terms of service that raised user concerns.

Garmin introduces Descent S1 buoy to enhance dive communication and safety

Garmin launches the Descent S1 Buoy in Singapore to improve diver tracking, messaging and safety through advanced sonar technology.

Try anime avatars and furry companions in Grok’s latest update

Elon Musk's Grok AI now features anime and red panda avatars, including one with an NSFW lingerie mode, in a new soft-launch companion feature.

Vivo joins the foldable race with new X Fold5 featuring ZEISS cameras and a huge battery

The Vivo X Fold5 offers foldable power with ZEISS cameras, a 6,000mAh battery, and multitasking software, all in a slim and lightweight design.

SoftBank plans a billion AI agents to boost workers like ‘thousand-armed deities’

SoftBank aims to launch a billion self-replicating AI agents by year-end to boost productivity, but concerns about job displacement remain.

City Energy makes EV charging app-free in Singapore and Malaysia

AutoCharge by City Energy allows you to charge your EV in Singapore and Malaysia without needing an app – plug in and start.

Tecno unveils Phantom Ultimate G Fold – a tri-fold Android phone like no other

Tecno unveils the Phantom Ultimate G Fold, a tri-fold concept Android phone set to debut at MWC 2026, featuring a slim design and full display.

iPhone 17 Pro may feature a new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective display

iPhone 17 Pro may debut with an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant display, joining Apple’s premium iPad and Mac screens.

Related Articles

Popular Categories