US plans $650M worth investment in rapid diagnostic testing

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will invest $650 million from the American Rescue Plan to strengthen manufacturing capacity for quick, high-quality diagnostic testing through rapid point-ofcare molecular tests and increase Americans’ access to them. As at-home testing increases, the need for follow-up testing in healthcare settings will likely grow. If someone buys an overthe-counter rapid antigen test at their local pharmacy to take at home and tests positive, they may seek out a healthcare provider who would conduct another test to confirm that result. This new investment will help ensure tests like these are readily available across the country and can provide results quickly. Hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies and other community healthcare settings use rapid molecular tests to diagnose COVID-19, screen patients before surgery without unnecessary delays, identify people who may benefit from COVID-19 therapies, and confirm at-home test results.