Published by Anthony Di Pizio

Abbott's Rapid Test Breakthrough

On August 26th Abbott Laboratories announced that its BinaxNOW COVID-19 test received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. This is the first approved test that doesn't require laboratory instrumentation to detect active Coronavirus infections in patients, meaning it could be one key to reopening economies and borders.

The test is the size of a credit card and can deliver a result in 15 minutes. It requires a nasal swab which is then tested using Abbott’s proven lateral flow technology to detect antigens. If the patient is negative, they will receive a special QR code direct to an Abbott-designed app on their phone (called NAVICA) which organisations can scan for confirmation. The QR code will come with an expiration date determined by the requirements of the given organisation. 

Right now, the test only detects infections within 7 days of someone showing symptoms and may only be...