US FDA authorises use of new two-minute test kit for coronavirus

The US Food and Drug Administration has authorised the emergency use of Bodysphere Inc’s test that can detect the coronavirus in nearly two minutes, the privately-held company said on Tuesday.

A Reuters report said the FDA has been rushing to approve tests on an emergency basis and last week approved Abbott Laboratories’ test that can deliver results within minutes.

Bodysphere said it was working with the federal and state governments to deliver the test to the frontlines.

The test is administered like a glucose test but is designed for use strictly by medical professionals.

An article in the www.axios.com said these antibody tests could help people know if they are able to go back to work, as well as aid researchers in tracking the scale and death rate of the disease — key data for current and future pandemic policies.

They’re especially useful for determining whether health care workers have some immunity and are at lower risk if they go back to work.

The Bodysphere two-minute test can only detect the coronavirus in people who have had the infection for several days, meaning the test can’t be used too early on when the body hasn't produced enough antibodies.

The FDA has been rushing to approve tests from companies that promise quicker results.

Abbott Laboratories received emergency authorisation last week to produce portable coronavirus tests, which the company indicates can detect the virus within five minutes.