As the pandemic rages on, especially with the omicron variant taking hold of the nation, folks are turning to at-home COVID-19 tests to see if they are positive or not.
While some at-home tests are sold out, stores are getting new shipments of them every couple of days and others can be bought online in bulk.
But not every test is the same. According to reports, only test kits approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and/or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should be used for accuracy.
The FDA said it has authorized over 400 COVID-19 tests and collection kits – 235 molecular, 88 antibody, and 34 antigen tests -- to help ensure the public has access to a wide variety of testing options.
There are currently 11 at-home tests authorized by the FDA.
Below are the at-home tests authorized by the FDA for at-home use:
The BinaxNOW COVID-19 at-home test is one of few rapid tests given FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) that doesn’t require the sample to be mailed to and processed at a laboratory.
The test is authorized for people ages 4 through 14 when an adult collects the sample and 15-years-old and up when taking a self-sample.
Developed by a California-based diagnostic company, the QuickVue rapid at-home test received EUA from the FDA in March 2021.
The test is performed with a nasal swab and detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 viral antigen within 10 minutes, according to the CDC.
Cue Health was given EUA by the FDA in March 2021. Although the Cue at-home test is a rapid test with results given in less than 20 minutes, it’s said to have PCR-level accuracy. Cue is also authorized by the CDC for international travel.
Mayo Clinic studied the Cue results and said its results are 97.8% accurate, however, compared to other at-home testing options, the Cue+ is expensive. Individuals will need to purchase the Cue test Reader at $249 and a pack of three swab tests costs an additional $225.
For people who travel often or need to test regularly, the Cue+ Complete membership is an option – for $90 per month you’ll get 20 tests per year, a discount of the Cue Reader ($149 instead of $249), 20% off the purchase of additional tests, and same-day delivery, as well as other perks.
The FDA gave ACON Laboratories, the manufacturer of Flowflex COVID-19 Home Test, EUA on Oct. 4, 2021.
OTHER AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS
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