Rapid COVID-19 tests generate quick results, but what are the other benefits?
What's really important is what you're testing for and the progression of the disease and its life cycle. Our rapid antigen BinaxNOW test and our ID NOW molecular rapid test are effective at identifying the virus when you're most likely to transmit it. Which is to say, when you're contagious. They determine: Do you have active virus in you right now? And are you contagious? Those are really important questions that you need to answer in the middle of a pandemic.

The other key benefit is access. These tests are portable, easy to perform and can be performed by healthcare providers in some pretty unique healthcare settings — including parking lots or schools — and the tests are now available for self-use, so you can get your status before running out the door. Beyond availability, the tests also have to be affordable.

How are rapid tests impacting the country's recovery?
They're critical. People are getting tired of the pandemic, so they're starting to travel and spend more time with friends and family. Rapid COVID-19 tests — which are good at identifying people with higher viral loads and who are therefore more likely to be contagious — could help prevent people from unknowingly spreading the virus to their loved ones.

Our complementary NAVICA app, which pairs with BinaxNOW, takes this a step further by enabling people to display a temporary encrypted digital pass with a QR code if they test negative. You could see a NAVICA pass being used in airports, but it could also be helpful in everyday life, such as coming into contact with people in your home and community. It's all about giving people greater confidence.

What's the value of rapid COVID-19 tests during the pandemic?
This virus has put an incredible strain on our economy. When we have to shut down communities or states, there's a massive negative impact on a micro and macro level. If we can help keep our economy running, the economic impact is obvious.

With rapid COVID-19 tests like BinaxNOW and ID NOW, we can help identify more people who are most likely to be contagious, who have an active virus, so they can isolate from the general population and avoid spreading it. When we do this, we'll have a shot at some semblance of normality when it comes to business, opening schools and the economy rebounding, all of which make this country prosper.

Put the accuracy of rapid COVID-19 tests in context.
A recent study of our BinaxNOW test by the University of California San Francisco found that it detected 93.3% of people who were most likely to be actively infectious.²

If you want to catch someone who's more likely to be contagious, a rapid test can be an excellent tool.

References

¹Evercore ISI: PoC 15 min Antigen Test (TRx needed) opens up +$850 MM rev oppty; Validated in >100 samples, August 26, 2020.

²University of California San Francisco, Rapid COVID-19 Test Shows Promise in Community Test Setting, October 15, 2020.

This story was originally published on Dec. 10, 2020. It was updated on Feb. 15, 2021 to include reference to our announcement of Abbott's launch of its BinaxNOW test for at-home use with a prescription through a virtually guided online service. It was updated again on April 19, 2021 to include reference to Abbott’s launch of its BinaxNOW Self Test. It was again updated on June 08, 2022.