FDA authorizes first OTC at-home combination test for flu, SARS-CoV-2

USA Today (2/25, Snider) reported the FDA “has authorized the first over-the-counter at-home test that can detect and differentiate between a test result for flu and a test result for COVID-19.” The “Lucira COVID-19 and Flu Home Test is a single-use test,” in which “a nasal swab is used as with an at-home COVID test; in 30 minutes or less, the test displays the results – positive or negative for influenza A, Influenza B and COVID-19.”

The Washington Post (2/24, McGinley) reported the agency “said the new test is for people with symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, including COVID, the disease caused by the coronavirus.”

The New York Times (2/24, Jewett, Anthes) reported this new “test is meant to be used by people 14 and older, or by an adult collecting a sample from someone age 2 or older.”