In response to a mass shortage of available tests, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a direct-to-consumer test for the coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19.
The test, called Pixel and created by health services giant LabCorp, will be priced at $119 and includes two-way overnight shipping and physician services from PWNHealth.
Tests will be initially made available to health care workers and first responders before others can purchase.
“Our at-home collection kits are designed to make it easier and safer to test health care workers and first responders during this important time,” said Adam Schechter, CEO of LabCorp, in the company’s announcement.
Once the tests become available to regular consumers, you’ll be able to buy the test kit only after a recommendation from your doctor and after answering a questionnaire to determine if you’re eligible to be tested.
If you can take the test, you’ll be sent a test kit to collect your sample via a nasal swab. You’ll then send back your test and access your results online.
Digital Trends reached out to LabCorp to find out how many tests they are making and how quickly people could expect to get their results back after sending samples. We will update this story when we hear back.
It’s important to note that the FDA did not approve the test, but rather, only authorized the test as part of an emergency use authorization given the extreme need for coronavirus testing in the U.S. right now.
“We worked with LabCorp to ensure the data demonstrated from at-home patient sample collection is as safe and accurate as sample collection at a doctor’s office, hospital, or other testing site,” FDA commissioner Stephen M. Hahn said. “With this [authorization], there is now a convenient and reliable option for patient sample collection from the comfort and safety of their home.”
Testing in the U.S. is nowhere near where it needs to be, medical experts say. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said that getting the U.S. organized on testing will allow us to overcome the rapid spread of the virus until a vaccine can be made.
For the latest updates on the novel coronavirus outbreak, visit the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 page.
Related Posts
Starfish-inspired patch solves key issues for wearable heart sensors
These sensors, however, come with an inherent set of problems. Motion artifacts arising from movement or vigorous activity alter the blood flow and affect their accuracy. Optical heart rate sensors (photoplethysmography or PPG tech) also struggle with darker skin tones, tattoos, or even body placement.
The Chairman™ Pro package is on sale — and it’s the only shaving kit you’ll ever need
Want a little definition without going full lumberjack? The included two length-setting stubble combs help dial in the perfect length. With FlexAdjust™ Technology that adapts to every jawline and a precision trimmer edge for hard-to-reach spots, this thing is engineered for the real world—where your face doesn’t grow hair at perfect right angles.
You Asked: What’s the most impressive thing you saw at CES?
There’s been some really cool TV tech at CES, but the thing I’m most excited about is the new Panasonic Z95B. Instead of the regular OLED display structure we’ve seen in recent years with MLA technology, this uses a four-layer panel structure. It features individual red, green, and blue layers (two of the latter) for the emissive light.