While vaccines are abundant in the United States, inexpensive at-home rapid COVID-19 tests still remain scarce. One reason why is the Food and Drug Administration’s slow approval process for new products, according to a Kaiser Health News report.
Nearly two years into the pandemic, the FDA has authorized only 12 over-the-counter rapid test types. Meanwhile, the agency has received more than 4,500 emergency use authorization and connected requests for COVID tests, FDA spokesman Jim McKinney told the news outlet.
Beyond the sluggish approval process, shortages of materials and labor are also keeping the prices of at-home kits high. Prices of rapid tests are around $14 for a pack of two to more than $50 a test. Arguably, this price point could be hurting the U.S.’s attempt to control the pandemic.
The Biden administration has disclosed plans to invest more in access to over-the-counter tests. Still, producing enough remains a problem. Earlier this month, the FDA recalled the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test due to the number of false positive results.
