The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing $650 million from the American Rescue Plan to strengthen manufacturing capacity for rapid point-of-care molecular tests, the department said in a news release.
“As at-home testing increases, the need for follow-up testing in healthcare settings will likely grow. For example, if someone buys an over-the-counter rapid antigen test at their local pharmacy to take at home and tests positive, they may seek out a healthcare provider who would conduct another test to confirm that result. This new investment will help ensure tests like these are readily available across the country and can provide results quickly,” the department said.
HHS says it will use the funds to ramp up U.S. domestic manufacturing capacity and to support the purchase of both raw materials and finished tests.
