For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-home testing is now
approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Emergency approval was granted on April 21 for an at-home nasal swab kit supplied by
LabCorp, according to the New York Times.
The Pixel test allows patients to test themselves, repackage the test and send it back
for analysis, CBS news reported.
“These kits reduce the need of PPE used by healthcare workers,” said LabCorp in a
tweet. “Initially, kits will be made available to frontline healthcare workers and first
responders.”
Additionally, some states have given the green light to “drive-thru” testing, which has
met with varied results.
Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens have drive-thru testing options for essential
workers, which includes first responders and health care workers. The initiative for
drive-thru testing was headed by President Trump, but his vision for drive-thru testing to
be opened up to the public has not come to fulfillment yet.
“We appreciate the support we have received from federal health officials, local law
enforcement and elected officials,” said Walmart Senior Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer Del Sloneker in a statement. “This has truly been a team effort, and
these sites wouldn’t be possible were it not for everyone working together for a common
goal in support of our communities.”
In Kentucky, the Cincinnati-based grocery store giant Kroger has partnered with the
state to bring drive-thru testing to the general public, with the first site being in Frankfort,
Kentucky, reported the Courier-Journal. Other sites are planned for Madison, Paducah,
Somerset and Pikeville.
Tests at the Frankfort location are administered first to people over age 65, first
responders and healthcare workers in a series of guidelines based on priority.
On March 24, The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines for clinical
testing to say that health care providers should administer tests as needed.
“Clinicians should use their judgement to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms
compatible with COVID-19 and should be tested,” said the CDC on its website.
