MEDIA AVAILABILITY
When to Test offers a free online tool to help people make informed decisions about COVID-19 testing
That:
Demand for COVID-19 testing is increasing among individuals and families, especially as winter approaches and people shift to indoor activities. The National Institutes of Health’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative today announced the launch of the When to Test Calculator for Individuals, complementary to the version for organizations introduced last winter. By simply responding to a few prompts, the new Individual Impact Calculator tells you whether a person should get a test, now or soon.
The When to Test Calculator for Individuals was developed and tested by computer modelers to help people determine if they are at risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 based on a few variables, such as vaccination status, transmission rates in the geographic area, and mitigation behaviors. The calculator includes answers to frequently asked questions and links to resources on testing strategies and how to obtain supplies, including home tests.
The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) supported the development of the When To Test Website and Calculators through the RADx Tech program.
WHO:
NIBIB Director Bruce Tromberg, Ph.D., who directs the RADx Tech program, is available for comment.
About Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx)®) initiative: The RADx initiative was launched on April 29, 2020 to accelerate innovation in the development, commercialization and deployment of technologies for COVID-19 testing. The initiative has four programs: RADx Tech, RADx Advanced Technology Platforms, RADx Underserved Populations and RADx Radical. Leverages existing NIH point-of-care technology research network. The RADx initiative partners with federal agencies, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Department of Defense, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Learn more about the RADx initiative and its programs..
About the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB): NIBIB’s mission is to improve health by leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. The Institute is committed to integrating the physical and engineering sciences with the biological sciences to advance basic research and healthcare. NIBIB supports research and development of emerging technologies within its internal laboratories and through grants, collaborations and training. More information is available on the NIBIB website.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 institutes and centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency that conducts and supports basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures of common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning discovery into health®
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