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# FDA Allows Emergency Use of Coronavirus Test
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-allows-emergency-use-of-coronavirus-test/
- Published: 2020-02-04T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:01:29.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5146013

FDA has issued a coronavirus emergency use authorization to permit the wider use of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019-nCoV Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel. To date, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test has been limited to use at CDC laboratories. Testing is limited to qualified laboratories designated by the CDC and those certified to perform high complexity tests, an [agency release](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/emergency-use-authorizations?ref=fdaweb.com) says. It can detect the virus from respiratory secretions, such as nasal or oral swabs. Federal health officials continue to believe that the threat to the general American population from the virus is relatively low, the notice says.