Feasibility of Home-Based Testing for Acute Respiratory Viruses
Key Findings:
DETECT-AHEAD trial showed early feasibility of a decentralized program to prompt individuals to use a viral pathogen diagnostic test based on symptoms tracked in the study app or physiological changes detected using a wearable sensor.
Practical Solutions:
Our study demonstrated the potential for home-based diagnostic self-testing for acute respiratory viral pathogens using wearable sensors and self-reported symptoms. This approach could enable early identification of infections, reducing transmission and allowing for earlier therapeutic intervention.
Value:
This trial offers valuable insights into the practical implementation of at-home testing for respiratory viruses, highlighting both the opportunities and barriers to widespread adoption. Addressing these barriers will be crucial for large-scale implementation of such decentralized testing programs.
