FDA approves first home test for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new

test designed to identify variousrespiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and influenza. This test is the first of its kind to be approved by the FDA and provides access to three diagnostic tests without visiting a doctor.

Labcorp's test looks for traces of influenza A and B,SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As a reminder, RSV is a type of virus that causes respiratory tract infections. It is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in newborns and children.

Unlike conventional rapid antigen tests,the new one uses more traditional PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology. This means sending the nasal swab to a laboratory for analysis.

The set is called Labcorp Seasonal RespiratoryVirus RT-PCR DTC Test and it will be available in stores. It can also be ordered online without a doctor's prescription. Users will take a nasal swab at home, send the sample to the nearest Labcorp laboratory and access the results through an online platform within one to three days.

It's not yet clear how much the test will cost, but similar tests from Labcorp cost $169.

Read on

American satellite "saw" an unusual message from Earth

The monster at the center of our Galaxy: look at the photo of a black hole in the Milky Way

Published video from the rocket, which was launched from an experimental accelerator