Rapid over-the-counter COVID test approved
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first rapid, at-home COVID-19 test. The test will be available over-the-counter and won’t require a lab to produce results as previous at-home tests have.
The test is being produced by Australia-based Ellume and can produce results within 15 minutes. The company expects the test to sell for $30.
However, it may still be months before most people are able to find the test on store shelves. The company’s chief executive Sean Parsons said they will only be able to provide 100,000 tests initially. They plan to ramp up production and are planning a partnership with a major retailer.
The Ellume COVID-19 test is similar to standard antigen tests in that a user has to swab the inside of their nose. That sample is then placed into a cartridge which is processed with the help of a smartphone app. The app can also share results with local health departments.
You can read more on the Washington Post.
