Technology

Study behind updated FDA guidance shows self-swab tests are as effective as those done by clinicians

4 years ago

Anonymous $9CO2RSACsf

https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/25/study-behind-updated-fda-guidance-shows-self-swab-tests-are-as-effective-as-those-done-by-clinicians/

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be updating its guidance to allow self-swab tests for COVID-19, in which a patient collects a sample for their own nose for a health professional to test. On Wednesday, UnitedHealth Group revealed the results of a peer-reviewed large scale study that provided the science behind the decision to switch to the less-invasive sample collection method.
The self-swab process doesn’t change where FDA-approved testing can happen – this expanded guidance only applies to the method of collection, meaning at-home swab-baed PCR tests that many startups had hoped to bring to market are still on hold. But even though people still have to go to either clinics or drive-through testing sites to get a COVID-19 test done, the ability to self-swab offers more comfort, as well as real advantages when it comes to the health and safety of the clinicians and frontline healthcare workers staffing the sites.

Study behind updated FDA guidance shows self-swab tests are as effective as those done by clinicians

Mar 25, 2020, 9:31pm UTC

$9CO2RSACsf

https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/25/study-behind-updated-fda-guidance-shows-self-swab-tests-are-as-effective-as-those-done-by-clinicians/ > Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be updating its guidance to allow self-swab tests for COVID-19, in which a patient collects a sample for their own nose for a health professional to test. On Wednesday, UnitedHealth Group revealed the results of a peer-reviewed large scale study that provided the science behind the decision to switch to the less-invasive sample collection method. > The self-swab process doesn’t change where FDA-approved testing can happen – this expanded guidance only applies to the method of collection, meaning at-home swab-baed PCR tests that many startups had hoped to bring to market are still on hold. But even though people still have to go to either clinics or drive-through testing sites to get a COVID-19 test done, the ability to self-swab offers more comfort, as well as real advantages when it comes to the health and safety of the clinicians and frontline healthcare workers staffing the sites.