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Wired about LAMP testing, apparently, so a couple quick thoughts on this new at-home test (which requires a prescription!) before I attempt to sleep. 1/
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/11/17/world/covid-19-coronavirus/fda-authorizes-the-first-at-home-coronavirus-test
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/11/17/world/covid-19-coronavirus/fda-authorizes-the-first-at-home-coronavirus-test
1. LAMP testing is like a quick and dirty version of PCR-based testing, sort of. Both look for genetic material. Both are also signal amplifiers: They can detect very little of the virus. That might give them a leg up over, say, antigen tests in a lot of cases. 2/
2. LAMP is generally cheaper, more convenient, less cumbersome than PCR. It can be done outside a lab. But it's also typically less accurate, both in terms of being able to catch infections (sensitivity) AND rule them out (specificity). 3/
3. LAMP's shown promise with multiple sample types, including swabs that enter the nose and go to varying depths, as well as the spit-in-a-tube model — saliva. That's cool and interesting. 4/
... But we don't know a lot about Lucira's test yet. It's a bit less accurate than PCR. It can be used at home in 30 minutes, start to finish. It requires a prescription. You need to be at least 14 to use it on yourself. Your health care provider can also do the test for you. 5/
Also, Lucira's product was tested only on 101 patient samples. All were from people with symptoms of Covid-19. We don't know how it will perform in people without symptoms. And again, remember, you need a prescription. 6/
@SaskiaPopescu always has the public health angle in mind, too. How will results be reported? Patient --> health care provider --> public health official? That's an extra step. Could some results fall through the cracks? 7/
Lots to think about. Tests DETECT infections; they don't by themselves prevent them. We're also still short on tests.
What's our way out of that? Well, we could use more tests. But we could also reduce our need for them by driving transmission down: masks, distancing. 8/
What's our way out of that? Well, we could use more tests. But we could also reduce our need for them by driving transmission down: masks, distancing. 8/
This is a cool advance. I'm really looking forward to learning more. But let's continue to take things with a grain of salt.
Also, Lucira product availability is still TBD. And the tests might be up to $50 a pop. Deep breath, folks. Still a long way to go. 9/9
Also, Lucira product availability is still TBD. And the tests might be up to $50 a pop. Deep breath, folks. Still a long way to go. 9/9
