Quest Diagnostics’ COVID-19 test kit gets FDA nod for emergency use

Quest Diagnostics said on Thursday it received emergency use authorization (EUA) for its self-collection COVID-19 test kit from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sending its shares up 3%. 

The company expects to have more than half a million kits available by end of June and more as required later. 

Several medical device makers and diagnostic companies have joined the race to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities for the widespread virus that has killed 355,880 people globally and hammered the world economy.

Quest plans to make the self-collection kits available for healthcare providers and employers for return-to-work testing programs. 

The test requires people to swab the front part of the nostril at home or in a healthcare setting when deemed necessary. It is suitable for all, even children under adult supervision. 

Specimens collected with the kit may be tested with the diagnostics company’s SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test that received an EUA in March, the company said. 

Read original article here