Covid or influenza? How many times in the last two years have we wondered? Now it comes the test can distinguish them. Licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is available without a prescription and can be done right at home and detects the flu and RSV as well.
Labcorp Seasonal Respiratory Virus, the test able to distinguish Covid from the flu
On Monday, May 16, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the Labcorp Seasonal Respiratory Virus RT-PCR DTC test, a tests for non-prescription use that everyone can do comfortably at home, including those with symptoms of respiratory viral infection compatible with Covid (here which are the spies of the new variants).
It is the first US FDA-cleared direct-to-consumer COVID-19 multi-analyte test that works like a normal quick sanitary pad. The only difference with the DIY Covid ones available in Italy is that this test allows any individual to independently collect a nasal sample, directly at home, but to get the result, the swab must be sent to one of the laboratories of Labcorp, the manufacturer .
The test, if performed correctly and respecting all the instructions (here are the common mistakes that can distort the result), can identify and differentiate multiple viruses respirators simultaneously, noting:
- the flu A and B, commonly known as influenza;
- respiratory syncytial viruscommonly known as RSV;
- e SARS-CoV-2the virus that causes COVID-19.
In America, where the procedure is currently underway, the results will then be provided through an online portal, with follow-up by a healthcare professional for positive or invalid test results.
Where to buy the test that distinguishes Covid and flu in Italy
“Although the FDA has now cleared many COVID-19 tests without a prescription, this one is the first authorized test for influenza and RSV, along with COVID-19, where an individual can self-identify their need for a test, order it, collect their sample, and send it to the lab for testing, without consulting a healthcare professional, ”said Jeff Shuren, MD, JD, director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the FDA. Rapid progress in consumer access to diagnostic testing, including the ability to sample at home for influenza and RSV without a prescription, brings us one step closer to testing for these viruses that could be done entirely. at home”.
This kit from Labcorp, specifically, is currently only available in America and can be purchased online or in stores without a prescription. The manufacturing company, however, has offices all over the world, also in Italy (in Milan). It cannot be excluded, therefore, that the tampons capable of distinguishing Covid and flu may soon arrive at us too.
According to the instructions provided, the tests can be:
- used independently by individuals aged 18 or over;
- carried out by individuals aged 14 or over with adult supervision;
- with the direct assistance of an adult for people aged 2 years or over.
This will enable consumers to more easily determine if they can be infected with COVID-19, influenza, or RSVestablishing with more precision and speed if it is appropriate to proceed immediately with the isolation (and quarantine, here the new rules), dispelling possible doubts.
However, as experts and health authorities advise, if symptoms worsen or persistbeyond the test result – which can be repeated – it is always better to consult a doctor.