FDA approves 5 rapid COVID-19 test kits

The FDA approved five rapid test kits for detecting COVID-19 on Monday, March 30.

These rapid tests are being used in countries like China and Singapore with advanced technology.

Unlike traditional PCR-based tests which detect the actual virus from patient swabs, rapid tests use blood samples to detect antibodies.

Rapid tests yield faster results but confirmatory testing using PCR-based methods is still required for accuracy.

The FDA also approved a new PCR-based test kit by Gene Xpert that can detect the virus within five minutes.

FDA Director-General Eric Domingo emphasized the need for trained professionals to administer and interpret rapid test results.