FDA Tightens Coronavirus Anti-Body Tests

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been forced to re-tighten restrictions on anti-body tests. Restrictions were initially loosened in response to the pandemic since anti-body tests can help determine immunity and can possibly pave the way to a vaccine or cure. However, since proper tests cannot be made widely available in such a short amount of time, companies reported receiving “bad” tests that could actually give false positives. Furthermore, the science behind the anti-body tests is not full-proof when it comes to preventing COVID-19. However, the FDA has just authorized an emergency use of a COVID-19 saliva test. The impact could be huge in multiple ways. For one, it is easier to endure than tests being performed right now which involve swabbing one’s throat or nose. Second, it can help to preserve much needed PPE as the tests don’t have to be performed by a medical professional. Finally, it has the potential for tests to be done on a larger scale.