Abbott has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its novel coronavirus test and will begin immediately shipping to customers in the U.S.
Abbott, a medical device maker based in North Chicago, said it's sending 150,000 COVID-19 tests to customers, and it has already sent tests to hospital and academic medical center labs in 18 states, including Illinois.
Abbott said it is ramping up the production of its tests and plans to provide up to 1 million tests per week.
"A global challenge like coronavirus requires the commitment and cooperation of everyone who has the ability to help address it," said Miles D. White, Abbott's chairman and chief executive officer. "I'm proud of the Abbott team and what they've accomplished in such a short period of time, and I want to thank the Administration and the FDA for their partnership in making this happen."
The tests will run on the company's m2000 RealTime system, which is currently available in hospitals and labs across the U.S. The systems can run up to 470 tests in 24 hours, the company said.
Abbott's testing news comes as the rollout for COVID-19 testing across the U.S. has been chaotic and slow. Testing remains in short supply across the country, but has appeared more accessible to athletes and celebrities, creating questions about who does and does not have the best chances at getting an immediate test. After the entire Brooklyn Nets roster was tested, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted: “We wish them a speedy recovery. But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested. Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick.”
In Austin, local health tech upstart Everlywell announced that it's poised to be the first U.S. company to begin sending out at-home COVID-19 tests. The company said its initial supply of 30,000 test kits will be available to consumers starting Monday.
