A new test for COVID-19 is coming to store shelves throughout the U.S. This is the first test for the disease that you can do at home. It does not need a prescription, or doctor’s approval, to use.
Currently, the U.S. is testing nearly 2 million people daily, and most health experts agree the country needs to be testing many more people than that. Most tests still require a nasal swab (鼻拭子) performed by a health professional, followed by processing at a laboratory. That typically means you have to wait days for the test results.
For months, health experts have stressed the need for fast, widespread home testing, which allows people to screen themselves and avoid contact with others if they have an infection. With this new home test, people can “swab their nose, run the test and find out their results in as little as 20 minutes,” said FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn.
The test kit includes a small tool to help you to take nasal swab, or sample from inside your nose. Once you swab your nostril (鼻孔) you place the swab onto a small cartridge. This cartridge analyzes the sample and sends the results to an app on your smartphone. The app displays the results and then helps you interpret them. Users can also connect with a health professional through the app.
Ellume’s test works differently than other tests. Most tests look for the genetic material of the virus. This is the material that hakes up its genes, which influence how the virus looks and acts. However, Ellume’s test looks for proteins that the virus sheds (散发). These viral proteins are large molecules that can trigger a response from your immune system, which is the collection of cells and their responses that help the body fight off infections.
Like other COVID-19 tests that look for proteins, Ellume’s test still has a shall chance of errors. FDA officials say that people who get a negative result but still have coronavirus symptoms should follow up with a doctor.
Although the price of the test could prevent some people from using it, Dr. Michael Mina, a professor at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called the new test “a great addition” to existing options.
8. What is the problem with current testing in the U.S.?
A.It is not efficient enough. | B.It leads to poor management. |
C.It based on nasal swabs. | D.It results in outbreak of virus. |
9. What is the right procedure for home testing?
a. analyze the sample
b. send the result to an app
c. take a nasal swab
d. place the swab on a cartridge
e. interpret the result
A.cadbe. | B.cdabe. | C.dcbae. | D.dcabe. |
10. What is a negative factor of the new test?
A.It’s unaffordable for some people. |
B.It has a great chance of errors. |
C.It’s an addition to existing options. |
D.It causes people to get infected. |
11. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?
A.Smartphone apps for analysis. |
B.A tool for taking Nasal swab. |
C.More options for recovering. |
D.Home test for COVID-19. |