Labcorp’s Combined COVID-19 And Flu At-Home Test Kit Gets Emergency Use OK
People can now test simultaneously for COVID-19 and influenza in the safety of their own home using Labcorp’s newly approved test kit.
The global life science firm headquartered in Burlington has received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its combined home collection kit for individuals as young as 2 years of age.
This is the latest update to its kit called Pixel, one of the first COVID tests offered to the public when the pandemic erupted last year.
“In time for flu season, the single test helps doctors and individuals make more informed treatment decisions given that symptoms of COVID-19 and flu are similar,” said Brian Caveney, M.D., JD, chief medical officer and president, Labcorp Diagnostics.
Individuals infected with COVID-19 and flu may experience similar symptoms such as fever, runny and/or stuffy nose and cough.
The kit uses a short nasal swab that is inserted into the lower nostril. The PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) can detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and influenza B virus in nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples.
It’s not intended for the detection of influenza C virus.
Labcorp has more than 70,000 employees in more than 100 countries. It reported revenue of $14 billion in 2020.