FDA Commissioner Says At-Home Coronavirus Test Is as Effective as Those at a Doctor’s Office

Americans may now be able to test themselves for the coronavirus from the comfort of their own homes.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn announced the creation of a new at-home collection test for diagnostic purposes by the company LabCorp.

The company is going to focus primarily on providing tests for those on the front lines battling this pandemic including health care workers and first responders.

Watch his comments below:

Health care workers and first responders will soon be receiving the first FDA authorized at-home test for #coronavirus.

FDA Commissioner @SteveFDA has more on the state of testing in the U.S., and why this at-home test could help in the fight against the virus. pic.twitter.com/iPXAv5twTg

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) April 22, 2020

Hahn explained those experiencing symptoms can go online and fill out a questionnaire which will then be reviewed by a licensed physician. After being reviewed, a package including a swab and a tube will be sent straight to their door for testing.

“It’s very easy and safe to perform. Our data shows that it’s as accurate as having it performed in the doctor’s office or in a clinic,” Hahn said.

After the recipient performs the test, they put the swab back in the tube and send it back to the lab.

Hahn was asked if these at-home tests are part of the bigger initiative to increase testing across the United States.

He did confirm it is part of it and noted how the FDA is working with governors to provide adequate supplies.

“This has been mentioned several times and we’ve had calls with the governors about it. There is unlocked capacity in the country,” Hahn said. “We believe that based upon that information that we could double the number of tests that are done in a very short period of time.”

Lawmakers are joining forces to push for more testing. A nearly $500 billion coronavirus relief package passed in the Senate and includes $25 billion for a national testing plan.

The House is expected to pass the bill by the end of the day Thursday, as IJR previously reported.