FDA authorizes first direct-to-consumer COVID-19 test system for at-home sample collection with laboratory test processing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized LabCorp’s Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit for use by any individual 18 years and older without a prescription. This product, which is authorized as the first COVID-19 direct-to-consumer (non-prescription) test system, allows an individual to self-collect a nasal swab sample at home and then send that sample for testing to LabCorp.
Positive or invalid test results are then delivered to the user by phone call from a health care provider. Negative test results are delivered via email or online portal.
We are pleased to be the first company in the U.S to receive emergency use authorization to distribute at-home #COVID-19 collection kits over the counter without a prescription! Learn more about this latest effort to combat the spread of the #pandemic. https://t.co/ykzuMAANAt pic.twitter.com/tyN1Z6pX8M
— Labcorp (@Labcorp) December 10, 2020
This home sample collection kit can be purchased without a prescription. It is intended to enable users to access information about their COVID-19 infection status that could aid with determining if self-isolation (quarantine) is appropriate and to assist with health care decisions after discussion with a health care professional.
“This is the first kit for consumers to self-collect a nasal sample for COVID-19 in their home that does not require a prescription,” said Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “While many home collection kits can be prescribed with a simple online questionnaire, this newly authorized direct-to-consumer collection kit removes that step from the process, allowing anyone to collect their sample and send it to the lab for processing.”
Today, we authorized the first #COVID19 test system consumers can buy online or in a store without a prescription. The test is for people ages 18 & older & it allows them to collect their own nasal sample at home & send it to a lab for processing. https://t.co/CFBPTqC9vq pic.twitter.com/BN6b1jgYog
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) December 9, 2020
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