FDA starts accepting applications for self-test antigen kits

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday said it will begin accepting applications for certification of self-test home test kits.

"We announce that we are accepting applications for special certification COVID-19 self-administered home test kits," FDA officer-in-charge Dr. Oscar Guiterrez said in a pre-recorded Talk to the People.

The FDA will also "release guidelines/policy on the use of home test kits and the reporting system will be issued by the Department of Health by January 17."

The Palace earlier said it is not keen on subsidizing the cost of antigen COVID-19 test kits that can be used at home as it is awaiting recommendation from the FDA. 

As of January 6, 2022, Gutierrez said they approved 38 brands of RT-PCR test kits, 32 antigen test kits, eight antibody immunoassay test kits and 11 rapid antibody tests.—LDF, GMA News