Experts Tell US Congress: Labs Must Improve Capacity, Carry Out 3.5 Million COVID-19 Tests Weekly

Public health experts told a House Appropriations Subcommittee on 6 May that the federal government must provide states enough point-of-care COVID-19 rapid test supplies and dollars to improve public laboratory capacity to conduct millions of tests each week to subdue the coronavirus.

Test tubes with blood sample on coronavirus. Money background. How much is cost analysis on Covid-19.  S

Two public health experts told members of a key House Appropriations Committee subpanel on 6 May the US should be conducting about 3.5 million COVID-19 rapid, point-of-care tests per week to control the disease.

Barriers to achieving that testing number include the federal government providing the states with sufficient testing supplies like nasal swabs,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Legislation

Final Curtain For LDTs? FDA Will Not Appeal District Court Decision To Vacate Final Rule

 

The US FDA has given up on its effort to regulate lab-developed tests as medical devices, at least for now. The agency will not appeal a decision from the Eastern District of Texas that tossed out the FDA’s final rule, leaving the agency with few cards.

Industry Execs Talk Tariff Turbulence During MD&M East

 

During MD&M East in Manhattan last week, a panel of experts discussed how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting manufacturing and offered some ideas on what manufacturers can do to help mitigate the chaos.

Debate On FDA User Fee Reauthorization Begins To Take Shape

 
• By 

A battle may be forming over the 2027 FDA user fee reauthorizations. At a conference Friday, Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss supports them for their effectiveness, while Deputy FDA Commissioner Grace Graham echoed criticisms from HHS Sec. Kennedy, among others, in calling for reform to ensure public trust.

Health Secretary Defends Spending Cuts During Senate Hearing On HHS Budget

 
• By 

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized administrative cost reductions and defended budget decisions during a Senate hearing on HHS funding. Some senators, however, expressed concerns over the impacts spending cuts had on essential health programs.

More from Policy & Regulation

MDUFA VI Launches With Public Meeting, Call For Comments

 
• By 

Preparations for the reauthorization of the Medical Device User Fee Amendments for 2028-2032 are underway, with the US FDA announcing a public meeting for 4 August. After negotiations with industry and other stakeholders, a draft agreement is due to Congress by 15 January 2025.

Permanent FDA Top Lawyer Expected After HHS Counsel Confirmation

 
• By 

Robert Foster, HHS deputy general counsel and chief counsel for food, research and drugs, is temporarily heading the Office of Chief Counsel, but a permanent appointee is expected after Michael Stuart's confirmation as HHS general counsel.

FDA Drops Package Labeling Guidance For Hernia Mesh Manufacturers

 

The US FDA recently published a draft guidance document for manufacturers of mesh products that are used during several types of hernia repair procedures.