The rising number of Covid-19 cases have indeed instilled the fear of going outside to even buy groceries. For those who would have no choice but to go outside to carry on with their daily activities, they would have to do so with safety precautions. This means double masking, social distancing and frequently sanitising hands with hand sanitisers would have to take place to ensure one does not contract Covid-19. However, in unprecedented circumstances when one observes Covid-19 symptoms such as headaches, flu and sore throat, these people would want to get tested as soon as possible to avoid contracting Covid-19 to their loved ones, living under the same roof.
Nevertheless, let’s face it! Covid-19 tests administered in hospitals or private clinics are shockingly expensive and could amount to RM 300 per swab test. This would ultimately burn a hole in one’s pocket. But, here’s some great news! The Health Ministry has recently approved 5 Covid-19 home test kits!
Usage of Test Kits
Albeit the fact that the instructions have been clearly indicated in the packaging, it is extremely important to decipher the test results. This is crucial to report the results aforementioned to the Ministry of Health via the MySejahtera application. According to the Health Minister, Datuk Seri Adham Baba, any results, be it, positive, negative or invalid must be reported via the platform. A health assessment must be done in a private or government health facility if you’re tested positive.
In the case where you’re tested negative but still portray symptoms of Covid-19, please go to any health facility for further checkups. Invalid results would require you to redo the test. It should also be noted that 30 minutes prior to using the test kit, one should not eat, smoke, chew or drink anything except plain water. Not adhering to this rule might result in an invalid or inaccurate test result.
Below is a picture that clearly describes your health status based on the test results:
5 Types of Approved Test Kits
1. Salixium-COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Rapid Test (Saliva/ Nasal Swab Samples)
This proudly Malaysian product was produced by Reszon Diagnostics International Sdn Bhd in Selangor. Having a sensitivity of 91.23% and a specificity of 100%, this RTK (Rapid Test Kit) Antigen uses immunochromatography technology to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in human saliva and nasal swab samples.
Test Kit Specifications
Product Name: Salixium-COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Rapid Test (Saliva/ Nasal Swab Samples)
Manufacturer: Reszon Diagnostics International Sdn Bhd. Selangor, Malaysia
Sensitivity: 91.23%, specificity 100%
Sample Type: Saliva & nasal swab samples
Price: RM39.90
2. Gmate® COVID-19 Ag Saliva for Home Use
This test kit is manufactured in Korea and approved by the Medical Devices Authority (MDA). With a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 98% based on a study of 620 samples, you could get your test results within 20 minutes. For this test kit, you’d need a sample of your saliva.
Test Kit Specifications
Product Name: Gmate® COVID-19 Ag Saliva for Home Use
Manufacturer: Philosys Co., Ltd, Korea
Sensitivity: 95%, specificity 98%
Sample Type: Saliva
Price: RM39.90
3. BERIGHT-COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device (Oral Fluid)
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With a total of 15 minutes to produce the test results, BERIGHT is an RTK test kit that also requires a saliva sample. A biohazard bag is also provided and the users are required to dispose the kit in the bag. Sounds very lab-like but it’s definitely hygienic without jeopardising the health of others!
Test Kit Specifications
Product Name: BERIGHT-COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device (Oral Fluid)
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd.
Sensitivity: 90.1%, specificity 99.3%
Sample Type: Saliva
Price: RM39.90
4. ALLTest COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Oral Fluid)
Again, this test kit uses saliva samples, or better known as human oral fluid. This has an accuracy of 97% and the results could be obtained within 20 minutes. Produced in China, it also has a specificity of 99.5%.
Test Kit Specifications
Product Name: ALLTest COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Oral Fluid)
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd Zheijang, P.R. China.
Sensitivity: 90.1%, specificity 99.5%
Sample Type: Saliva
Price: Unknown
5. JusChek COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Oral Fluid)
Proudly produced by the same manufacturer as ALLTest, JusCheck would be a non-intrusive alternative to a nasal swab test — thankfully! This also requires saliva sample. With an accuracy of 97%, surprisingly, the results could be obtained within 15 minutes, proving to take a lesser duration of time in comparison to the other test kits.
Test Kit Specifications
Product Name: JusChek COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (Oral Fluid)
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd Zheijang, P.R. China.
Sensitivity: 90.1%, sensitivity 99.3%
Sample Type: Saliva
Price: Unknown
Where To Buy It
Well, as of now, you could get these test kits at pharmacies near you. However, if you’re too scared of contracting the virus post-leaving the house, there’s an online delivery option via Doctor On Call, an application dedicated to provide healthcare service online! However, the only two test kits that could be found on the website are the Gmate Saliva Antigen Self-Test Kit and Salixium Saliva Antigen Self-Test Kit.
Nevertheless, it is extremely important to have these test kits handy at home in case you display symptoms of Covid-19. This is indeed a great initiative to prevent spending too much of money on nasal swab tests administered by hospitals and clinics.
Source: KL Foodie
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