What defines a cleared test?

A cleared test is defined as one that has received clearance from the FDA because it is substantially equivalent to an already existing and approved test. This typically indicates that the test poses a low risk to patients and aligns well with existing products in terms of safety and effectiveness. The FDA's 510(k) process is often used for this purpose, allowing certain tests to be marketed without the more rigorous premarket approval required for high-risk devices.

Tests that require new premarket approval would not be classified as cleared, as that indicates a more complex pathway based on higher risk. Furthermore, a test that is only available in specialized laboratories does not necessarily relate to its pre-market status; the availability aspect pertains more to the type of testing environment rather than the FDA clearance process. Lastly, a long approval process typically suggests a higher-risk category or a need for more in-depth validation, which again would not correspond with the 'cleared' designation.