Since January 2021, people traveling to the United States have had to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test conducted within 72 hours of departure. Now travelers have another option: testing themselves at their home.
Some tests require a nasal specimen that can be collected using an anterior nasal swab or a nasal mid-turbinate swab. Other tests require a saliva specimen.
The testing product has emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. The procedure must include remote, real-time supervision by a telehealth service associated with the manufacturer.
The CDC is warning travelers that some countries might restrict the importation of home Covid-19 tests that are not authorized there. Travelers should contact authorities in their foreign destination prior to departure.
The FDA recently has authorized 9 antigen tests and 3 molecular tests for serial screening programs.
All authorized tests can be found on the EUA page https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics-euas
For more information about self-testing visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html
