The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said on Tuesday that it had authorised the country's first Covid-19 diagnostic kit for self-testing at home.

Users can collect a sample with nasal swabs included in the all-in-one test kit and swirl the swab in a vial.

In at most 30 minutes, the results -- whether a person is positive or negative for the novel coronavirus -- can be read from the test unit's light-up display, the FDA said in a statement.

The test kit, made by Lucira Health, has been authorised for home use for individuals aged 14 and older who are suspected of Covid-19 by their health care provider.

The test can also be used in point-of-care (POC) settings - emergency rooms or hospitals for example - for all ages, but samples of those younger than 14 must be collected by a healthcare provider, the FDA said.

"While Covid-19 diagnostic tests have been authorised for at-home collection, this is the first that can be fully self-administered and provide results at home," FDA Commissioner, Stephen M. Hahn said.

The single-use test is currently authorised for prescription use only.