INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
At-home diagnostics startup Scanwell, which produces smartphone-based testing for UTIs, is working on getting at-home testing for the novel
coronavirus into the hands of United States residents
aiming to be ready to go with shipping these as soon as it receives that approval
While the United States drug regulatory agency previously had only included PCR tests in its protocols, it updated that guidance to include
serological tests earlier this week
that natural antibodies to this particular virus exist without exposure
determine if the virus is present genetically in a mucus sample.The PCR type of test is technically more accurate than the serological
variety, but the serological version is much easier to administer, and produces results more quickly
Plus, it could help expand efforts beyond testing only the most severe cases with symptoms present, and do a much better job of illuminating
the full extent of the presence of the virus, including among people with mild cases who have already recovered at home, and those who are
asymptomatic but carrying the virus with the possibility of infecting others.Also, while other, PCR-based at-home testing options already
exist, like one from Everlywell that will start going out on Monday, require round-tripping test samples, adding time, complexity and cost
and relying on testing materials like swabs that are in short supply globally.Once the test is available, people deemed eligible via
guidance about those results via the app within a few hours
those who need it), and will be deployed first in Washington, California and New York, as well as other areas depending on the severity of
their coronavirus situation.That the tests will take potentially 6-8 weeks to come to market seems like a long time, given the current state
of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and testing
meeting the criteria for other available testing resources.
