FDA approves first coronavirus test for self-testing at home

• Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement the development is "a significant step toward FDA’s nationwide response to COVID-19."

Yes, but: This molecular single use test kit developed by Lucira Health is currently available by prescription only.

Of note: Point-of-care settings including doctor's offices, hospitals, urgent care centers and emergency rooms are also authorized to have this nasal swab testing kit, to be used by people aged 14 or older.

• Lucira said in a statement it anticipates the test will "cost around $50."

For the record: Rapid tests have generally been less accurate. Lucira describes the test's accuracy as having a 94% positive percent agreement, with a 98% negative percent agreement.

• Lucira Health CEO Erik Engelson noted in a statement that while antigen rapid response tests "are more likely to miss an active coronavirus infection," the company's kit is a molecular test, which is "50 to 60 times more sensitive" and considered the ‘gold standard’ for determining if someone is infected."

How it works: The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit "works by swirling the self-collected sample swab in a vial that is then placed in the test unit," the FDA said in a statement.

• "In 30 minutes or less, the results can be read directly from the test unit's light-up display that shows whether a person is positive or negative for the SARS-CoV-2," the virus that causes COVID-19, the FDA added.

What they're saying: FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted in a statement that while COVID-19 diagnostic tests have been authorized for at-home collection, "this is the first that can be fully self-administered and provide results at home."

• "This new testing option is an important diagnostic advancement to address the pandemic and reduce the public burden of disease transmission," he said.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.