By Michael Dabaie

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings said it received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a combined home collection kit that detects Covid-19 and influenza A/B simultaneously in people as young as 2 years.

Labcorp said the kit will be available at no upfront cost to those who meet clinical guidelines, which may include experiencing symptoms, being exposed to someone with Covid-19 or if asked to be tested by a healthcare provider.

The kit uses a short nasal swab that is inserted into the lower nostril.

Starting in early October, adults and parents and guardians of children 2 to 17 years of age, can request the combined collection kit online through Pixel by Labcorp.

Physicians can order the collection kit for children as young as 2 directly from their electronic medical record system, the company said.

Labcorp shares were down 2% in morning trading to $275.93

Write to Michael Dabaie at michael.dabaie@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-01-21 1048ET