"Testing of home-based, self-collected samples for COVID-19 is currently paused. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience"
The Seattle home based testing programme known as Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN) was reportedly shut down by regulators after they tightened their rules. SCAN was authorized by the Washington State Department of Health and collected coronavirus samples from homes.
Bill Gates privately funded the SCAN programme.
The programme began on March 23 and has collected about 12 476 samples from individuals who reported COVID-19 like symptoms and those who did not show any symptoms at all.
"Our testing of home-based, self-collected samples for COVID-19 is currently paused. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," read SCAN statement.
"SCAN’s test is authorized by the Washington State Department of Health. However, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently clarified its guidance for home-based, self-collected samples to test for COVID-19. We have been notified that a separate federal emergency use authorization (EUA) is required to return results for self-collected tests," SCAN statement.
In March the Gates Foundation announced that it was providing technical assistance to SCAN programme.
"I want to be clear that SCAN does not replace the widespread testing that is still needed in communities. But it has the potential to become an important tool for health officials seeking insights about the spread and behavior of the virus," said Bill Gates.
SCAN test results were analyzed by disease modelers to map virus transmission chains. By examining the genetic signature of an infection, they were hoping to determine whether it represents a new introduction to the region or is part of a local transmission.
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