An at-home fingerprick bold test may help detect your exposure to coronavirus
Americans may soon be able to learn if they've ever been infected with COVID-19 with a prick of their finger and a smartphone — and without having to leave their homes.
"The Scanwell rapid serology test is looking for antibodies in the blood. A positive test result means that you were exposed to the virus previously because it takes time for the antibodies to develop," said Jeng. "However, when combined with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 like a fever, cough, and sore throat, a positive test is pretty much diagnostic for the illness," said Jeng,"That is how these rapid serology tests are being used in China."
The tests have been approved by the Chinese version of the Food and Drug Administration, but for use in the U.S. they will have to cleared by the FDA. Scanwell has applied to the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization, and the earliest the approval would come would likely be two months from now, according to Jeng.
Testing too soonIn the detection of the virus that causes COVID-19, timing is critical. A negative result may be negative simply because the immune system hasn't had time to develop antibodies.
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