The US Food and Drug Administration has
authorised the use of the first rapid diagnostic test that could detect
the coronavirus in approximately 45 minutes. Tests will begin this week,
according to a statement from California-based Cepheid, the company manufacturing
the tests.
Clinicians say faster testing will help alleviate some of the
pressure on hospital resources. The new test is a significant advancement
because some patients have complained it took them days to get results. Testing
is the vital first stage of a coronavirus response, as it allows health
officials to isolate cases before they have the opportunity to spread. Millions
of tests are conducted every day. Currently, only people who have recently
visited certain affected areas such as China or Italy need to submit themselves
for testing.
The Chief Medical and Technology officer at
Cepheid, Dr. David Persing, said: “During this time of increased demand for
hospital services, Clinicians urgently need an on-demand diagnostic test for
real-time management of patients being evaluated for admission to health-care
facilities. “An accurate test delivered close to the patient can be
transformative – and help alleviate the pressure that the emergence of the
COVID-19 outbreak has put on healthcare facilities that need to properly
allocate their respiratory isolation resources,” Persing added. However, Dr.
Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert, said not every single person needs
to get tested. Concerns have arisen that current test methods are taking too
long to return.
