Detect and Federal Government Partner on COVID and Flu Home Test

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has partnered with Guilford, Conn.-based device company Detect to develop a rapid diagnostic test for over-the-counter use to identify individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as influenza A and B infection.

The Detect COVID/Flu Test kit, which delivers results from a nasal swab in less than 30 minutes, includes a reusable base station, a single-use cartridge and a mobile software application.

The partners are seeking Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for the test individuals can perform at home without special expertise or sophisticated equipment.

Detect has already received emergency authorization for a separate over-the-counter COVID-19 test for home use, which it describes as a “PCR-quality” test that provides results at home in one hour.