FDA authorizes over-the-counter coronavirus test

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 test for home and other over-the-counter uses.

Why it matters: The single-use test, developed by Cue Health, may increase the availability of reliable coronavirus tests in the United States, potentially allowing Americans to avoid trips to the doctor’s office or a testing site.

By the numbers: The FDA said the test correctly identified 96% of positive coronavirus samples from individuals who had symptoms and correctly identified 100% of positive samples from asymptomatic people.