LabCorp Expands Access to At-Home COVID-19 Collection Test Kits; Lab Association Pushes for Federal Funding

May 15, 2020

On May 12, LabCorp announced that its COVID-19 at-home collection test kit is now available to individuals who have symptoms for COVID-19 as well as individuals without symptoms who may have been exposed to the virus. The diagnostic test, which uses a swab, is available through the company’s Pixel by LabCorp™ online platform. 

Last month, LabCorp, received emergency authorization from the FDA to provide the self-collection test. However, under CDC guidelines, the self-test was initially offered only to healthcare workers and first responders. Under updated CDC guidance, the test can be offered broadly to consumers. Self-collection reduces the risk of exposing others to the virus during testing and does not require the use of personal protective equipment.

As LabCorp ramps up its self-collection testing capacity, the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA), continues its push for federal funding for laboratories performing COVID-19 tests. In a recent statement, ACLA President Julie Khani said “Across the country, laboratories have made significant investments to expand capacity, including purchasing new platforms, retraining staff, and managing the skyrocketing cost of supplies…without sustainable funding, we cannot achieve sustainable testing.” The association has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar urging that funds be designated to help laboratories increase COVID-19 testing capacity.