BURLINGTON – Global life science firm LabCorp has received emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 at-home test kit from the FDA for children ages 2-17.

The news comes shortly after the CDC recommended that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine fur use in children ages 12 and over.

The LabCorp kit, called Pixel, is the first to receive authorization for use in children, according to LabCorp. Kits must be purchased by a parent or guardian. Tests can be ordered beginning later this month.

Pixel was one of the first COVID tests offered to the general public when the pandemic erupted last year.

“Expanding access of our Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit to include younger populations fills an important need as people seek to resume life activities safely,” said Brian Caveney, chief medical officer and president of Labcorp Diagnostics, in a statement. “This is welcome news as children and parents look forward to summer activities, camps, travel and the upcoming school year.”

According to LabCorp, young people ages 14-17 can self-collect the test. Younger children will need adult assistance, LabCorp said.

For more information, visit the Pixel website.

“The Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit has not been FDA-cleared or approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA, and has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens,” the company notes.