Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has commenced shipments of its first smartphone interpreted over-the-counter (OTC) rapid Covid-19 antigen test.
The BD Veritor At-Home Covid-19 Test uses computer vision technology in a smartphone for the interpretation of testing results.
By using the Scanwell Health mobile app, the rapid self-test will interpret and deliver a digital display of testing results within 15 minutes.
BD’s test is claimed to be one of the only at-home tests to fully automate reporting of results to federal and state public health agencies. It also offers a streamlined experience for optional reporting to businesses and schools.
The company has designed at-home test for people 14 years of age or older. It can also be used for children as young as two years old with samples collected by an adult.
Benefits offered by the at-home Covid-19 antigen test include definitive positive or negative digital display of testing results; easy-to-use mobile app with step-by-step instructions; pain-free nasal swab and human protein detection; and automated reporting.
BD life sciences president Dave Hickey said: “Bringing the BD Veritor At-Home Covid-19 Test to Amazon.com enables U.S. consumers to purchase and perform an at-home COVID-19 test without leaving the comfort of their own home.
“Now that we are entering flu season, it is a perfect time to put a BD Veritor At-Home Covid-19 Test in your medicine cabinet, so if you or a family member develop flu-like symptoms — which can mirror COVID-19 symptoms — you can self-test for COVID-19 at home.”
The BD Veritor At-Home Covid-19 Test, which is not FDA cleared, has secured an emergency use authorisation from the regulator.
The company is offering the new rapid test in a box that consists of two tests.
Under the partnership with the US government, the test will be provided on Amazon platform from December.
