FDA approves first at home self swab coronavirus test

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to the first diagnostic test with a home collection option for COVID-19. Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp) COVID-19 RT-PCR Test kits allow patients to collect nasal swab samples at home and mail them in for results. Patients then can access their results online.

LabCorp will make the tests available in most states in the coming weeks according to the FDA.

The test, sold by LabCorp, would first be made available to health care and other front-line workers, the company said.

"Throughout this pandemic we have been facilitating test development to ensure patients access to accurate diagnostics, which includes supporting the development of reliable and accurate at-home sample collection options," said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. "The FDA's around-the-clock work since this outbreak began has resulted in the authorization of more than 50 diagnostic tests and engagement with over 350 test developers. Specifically, for tests that include home sample collection, 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. With this action, there is now a convenient and reliable option for patient sample collection from the comfort and safety of their home."