The federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is working with OraSure Technology to develop a test for the coronavirus (COVID-19) that could bring testing closer to the patient.
OraSure’s point-of-care test will be available at home and in clinical settings. It could be the first test for use at home in the country.
This test is non-invasive and can be deployed quickly shortly after the patient becomes infected. No instruments or trained personnel are needed to administer the test or read its results, which should be available in 20 minutes. Currently, there are no rapid POC tests that can be used during times of quarantine and social distancing.
This test, which is built on OraSure’s OraQuick platform, will allow healthcare providers and agencies to distribute tests directly to an individual for testing. This POC test will minimize the threat of infecting others. Also, the faster results will enhance patient and community outcomes and quickly identify patients needing isolation. A rapid test would be a major step toward controlling the outbreak and preventing further spread of the virus.
BARDA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is funding approximately $710,000 of the $1.2 million project costs so that OraSure can request Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).