Lucira Health, Inc. announced that its Lucira™ Check-It PCR-Quality, At-Home Molecular COVID-19 Test is now available in the Optum Store (store.optum.com). The Lucira Check-It COVID-19 test kit has emergency authorization by FDA under EUA. Lucira™ Test Kits: The Lucira™ Check-It (OTC) and All-In-One (Rx) test kits are molecular Nucleic-Acid Amplification Tests (referred to as NAAT).

The tests fit in the palm of your hand, extract genetic material from the virus and amplify it, similar to PCR lab tests, to detect the presence of virus earlier and more accurately than antigen tests. The test uses an approach called reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification ("RT-LAMP"). It was designed and tested extensively for individuals to use independently and does not require a physician's prescription or supervised assistance.

There is no additional equipment to purchase, such as a reader or instrument. Each Lucira test kit contains everything needed to run one COVID-19 test. Users get the test device, two AA batteries, sample vial, swab, and simple instructions.

The batteries are inserted into the device and the sample vial is placed in the test unit. The user then opens the test swab packet and rotates the swab five times in each nostril. The swab is then stirred in the sample vial, which is then gently pressed into the test unit to start the test.

The "ready" light will blink until a "positive" or "negative" green light is illuminated within 30 minutes. Lucira also offers a free LUCI Pass™ digital verified test result back to a user's phone. LUCI Pass™ is accessed via text and does not require downloading an app.

There is also an opt-in for public health reporting for users who wish to transmit their results to the relevant public health authorities. In clinical trials, 100% of users successfully performed the test at home in about two minutes using Lucira's easy-to-use 'swab, stir and detect' Check-It test kit.