Are Coronavirus Home Testing Kits a New Reality?

As of March 24, 2020, nearly 294,500 tests have been administered to diagnose COVID-19 in the United States. The most common test administered to those seeking a diagnosis of the virus is referred to as the PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test. The implementation of the PCR test is the original examination for the virus that is most frequently shown by the media while visiting testing centers and hospitals. As reliable as the PCR tests have become, there are certain drawbacks. The most discussed and worrisome concern of the PCR test is the response time of two to four days for a patient to receive their results. As a result, technology companies and medical companies are beginning to develop quicker and more convenient innovations to reduce the wait time of the virus or make the test safer and more convenient. Depending on what location of the country a person is from, one of the most exciting and controversial innovations currently being discussed, is at home testing. Technology and medical companies and start-ups have been engineering systems and infrastructure in order to safely and reliably offer tests to those who are showing symptoms of the virus or are at risk to contract it. Once released throughout the country, these tests will be available to purchase or order at a pharmacy after a screening by a doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, for about $100.00 to $250.00, a patient will be able to complete and mail the test to the company’s testing center from the comfort of their home and will receive the results in four days. The implementation of at home testing if successful will pose many benefits to the country, a patient and their community. First and foremost, the ability for patients to test themselves will significantly alleviate the demand for medical necessities such as masks, gloves, and other equipment. Likewise, the at home testing will allow hospitals and medical centers to divert doctor, nurses and other healthcare professionals to treat rather than test patients. Finally, although results may take longer to be released, home testing restricts the eliminates an infected person’s to see a doctor in person, and further limit social contact that will inevitable constrict a person seeking a test to spread the virus to others, or contract it if they are negative. Although at home testing is exciting, and innovative it is crucial for one’s health and the health of their family and community to understand approved at home test kits have not been approved. There are counterfeit and fake testing kits being released and advertised by people trying to capitalize on one’s fear. It is crucial for public health to understand that these tests have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be released to the general public. Many medical and technological companies such as Everlywell and Microsoft have received approval from the FDA to test and evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and the infrastructure of the tests before they may be released to the general public. Reputable and effective at home tests may be in progress, but they are not currently available. It is important to understand and research who is offering an at home test, and if that person or company is reliable, and the test has been approved. As of March 24, 2020, there have been nearly 395,700 reported cases of Coronavirus worldwide approximately 46,000 in the United States.