WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the first rapid coronavirus test that doesn’t need special computer equipment for results. The 15-minute test from Abbott Laboratories will sell for $5, giving it a competitive edge over similar tests that need to be popped into a small machine....
Early COVID-19 Plasma Donor Says the Therapy Saves Lives
Blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling the disease. But the official evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it, and what dose is needed. On Sunday, President Donald Trump...
FDA Chief Apologizes for Overstating Plasma Effect on Virus
WASHINGTON — Responding to an outcry from medical experts, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn on Tuesday apologized for overstating the life-saving benefits of treating COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma. Scientists and medical experts have been pushing back against the claims about the treatment since President Donald Trump’s announcement on...
FDA Authorizes Plasma for COVID, Only 1.22% of US Patients Have Received It
Blood plasma, taken from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and rich in antibodies, may provide benefits to those battling the disease. But the official evidence so far has not been conclusive about whether it works, when to administer it, and what dose is needed. On Sunday, President Donald Trump...
As Hospitals Near Capacity, County Takes Steps to Open Convention Center
Fresno area hospitals are scrambling to make bed space available in every nook, cranny, and extra building they have. But despite their best efforts, ICU bed space continues to dwindle. The latest numbers from the state show Fresno County only has 16% of its ICU beds available. Just last week...
FDA Allows Emergency Use of Remdesivir for Coronavirus
WASHINGTON — U.S. regulators on Friday allowed emergency use of an experimental drug that appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster. It is the first drug shown to help fight COVID-19, which has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide. The FDA said in a statement that Gilead Science’s intravenous...
Is First FDA-Approved Saliva Test for COVID-19 Headed to California?
Testing for COVID-19 is now as easy as spitting into a tube. Rutgers University researchers have received U.S. government clearance for the first saliva test to help diagnose COVID-19. The new saliva collection method, which the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository developed in partnership with Spectrum Solutions and Accurate Diagnostic...
You've Worn That Homemade Mask, Here's How to Clean It
You've done your part for the day by wearing a homemade mask. Some cities are mandating it. But, when you get home what's the best way to clean it? Masks Mandatory in Certain Cities The CDC recommends that face coverings be worn in places where social distancing can be difficult,...
Recovered COVID-19 Patient Donates Plasma to Help 3 Others
Jason Garcia recovered from COVID-19 and wanted to help others. He found a way to do so by donating his plasma to three other patients. Garcia, 36, made a full recovery from a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in March. Garcia is an aerospace engineer, married, with an 11-month old at home in...
Right Now, a Homemade Face Mask Is a Good Idea
Health experts in the United States are at odds over whether people should wear a face mask while venturing beyond their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. But before digging into that debate, let's go straight to what the experts agree on. N95 respirator masks and surgical masks should be reserved...