FDA Authorizes First At-Home Sample Collection for Covid-19 Test

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the first home diagnostic kit for Covid-19 that will let people take their own nasal swabs and mail them for testing.

“With this action, there is now a convenient and reliable option for patient sample collection from the comfort and safety of their home,” FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said in a statement Tuesday. The home collection kits will be available to consumers in most states with a doctor’s order in the coming weeks, the agency said.

At-home test collection will expand the nation’s testing capabilities and is expected to reduce the amount ...