Yesterday FDA approved a corona virus rapid test that can show results in less than 15 minutes, using the existing PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests used in some rapid flu tests.
Vice President Mike Pence teased the test in a press briefing on Thursday. The new diagnostic test could accelerate testing in the United States, allowing for rapid results in doctors’ offices. But shortages of critical equipment used to collect patient specimens, like masks and swabs, could blunt its impact.
The US FDA has not reviewed the test but authorized it for emergency use, stating that regulators were satisfied with the test’s validation data while believing that test’s benefits can outweigh any risks, such as negatives or false positives. As per the sources, FDA does not intend to object to the development and distribution by commercial manufacturers.
In a statement Abbott Laboratories, the test’s maker, said it expects to deliver 50,000 tests per day beginning next week.
The USA has been lagging behind in the availability of fast coronavirus testing kits. Due to delay in nationwide lockdown, the virus has already wreaked havoc in the country with more than 81,000 reported Coronavirus cases – highest number of reported cases in the world as of Thursday.
USA is reeling under the economic and medical problem due to coronavirus pandemic.
Amid this tension, FDA move is being a welcome news in the medical fraternity. This level of production could boost U.S. healthcare providers ability on the front-lines. Trump government and federal health agencies were dogged by criticism for the lack of testing for Coronavirus.
