On November 17, 2020, the FDA issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the primary self-test package for COVID-19 that may present fast outcomes at dwelling with 94%-98% accuracy.
Whereas Lucira’s single-use take a look at is at present solely accessible at Sutter Well being in Northern California and the Cleveland Clinic in South Florida, it’s anticipated to be accessible nationwide in early 2021. The take a look at package – estimated to value round $50 – would require a prescription and all outcomes have to be reported to well being authorities. People over the age of 14 who’re exhibiting signs of COVID-19 will be capable to self-administer the take a look at and get outcomes at dwelling inside half-hour. The take a look at can also be approved to be used in physician’s places of work, hospitals, pressing care facilities and emergency departments for sufferers of all ages.
Will this take a look at be the reply to making sure the security of staff returning to work?
There isn’t a doubt that this EUA-approved take a look at is a crucial development to deal with the continuing pandemic and might be a useful device to get life again to extra normalcy. However, as with every take a look at, it shouldn’t be considered as the only real gatekeeper to figuring out if staff can come to work. This newly-approved fast take a look at, like all COVID-19 exams, gives outcomes at a single cut-off date. To make sure ongoing adverse outcomes, the take a look at would require common, if not every day, repeating. As a single-use take a look at package, the price alone possibly be a deterrent for employers.
Absent a dramatic change within the availability and value of fast exams, the solutions to making sure staff are protected at work are the identical as they’ve been for months: Put on a Masks – Wash Your Palms – Keep Social Distancing.
