Amazon has received authorization for a COVID-19 test from the US Food and Drug Administration, the Verge reports.
According to 360Dx, the Amazon Real-Time RT-PCR Test for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 was developed by its subsidiary STS Lab and is a modification of a test made by BGI Genomics. The real-time PCR test detects the viral ORF1ab gene from self-collected nasal swabs, performed either at home or under the supervision of a healthcare professional, it says.
The Verge adds that Amazon plans to use the test for its onsite COVID-19 monitoring program. As part of its employee-screening program — which the Verge says is voluntary — employees will be given testing appointments every 14 days. CNBC notes that that is in line with the company's previously stated goal of testing most of its front-line workers for COVID-19 every two weeks.
It adds it is unclear whether Amazon plans to make the test available beyond its employee testing program or commercially.