WASHINGTON-Ahead of Saturday’s White House press briefing, the Food and Drug Administration has cleared a new rapid test from Abbott Laboratories in hopes of conducting COVID-19 tests more swiftly and efficiently.
The Lake Bluff, Ill.-based company announced the emergency clearance of its cartridge-based test per a Friday night release.
Abbott says its test delivers a negative result in 13 minutes when the virus is not detected.
The U.S. has been attempting to ramp up tests for weeks and perhaps this is the way it can be safely and efficiently done.
Abbott’s testing cartridge fits into the company’s portable ID NOW device used at hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices.
The company said it would begin launching the tests next week to select health care facilities delivering urgent care.
