Combination COVID-19 and flu test gets EUA

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The SpeedySwab Covid + FLU A&B Self-Test has received emergency use authorization for over the counter and point of care applications.

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A new 3-in-1 test for COVID-19 and FLU A and B has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration.

The advanced SpeedySwab™ Covid + FLU A&B Self-Test for over the counter and point of care use was developed by Watmind USA in partnership with the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics Independent Assessment Program, according to a news release.

The test is designed help symptomatic patients over the age of 2 to quickly identify whether they are suffering from COVID-19, Influenza A, or Influenza B. Through a user-friendly, step-by-step process the uses state-of-the art Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) technology.

"Receiving the EUA for our SpeedySwab test marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing public health," said Dan Davis, CEO of Watmind USA, says in the release. "As we navigate the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and influenza A&B strains, our goal is to provide accessible and rapid at-home testing solutions that empower individuals to proactively manage their health from the comfort of their homes, while minimizing the spread of such diseases. Watmind USA is proud to support critical public health initiatives."

The question of whether a patient was suffering from COVID-19 one of the forms of Influenza was the cause of anxiety early in the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years the NIH has expanded efforts to treat the viruses at home.

In December, NIH expanded the Home Test to Treat Program “an entirely virtual community health program” with free at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions, and treatments.

NIH announced it as “the first public health program that includes home testing technology at such a scale for both COVID-19 and flu.”

The program seeks adult enrollees who are uninsured or underinsured, on Medicare, Medicaid, or receive care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Indian Health Services. Patients will use the LUCIRA by Pfizer COVIC-19 & Flu Home Test, the first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to detect both viruses in single test at home.