While the brands may differ, they are all based on the RTK-antigen test.
The Covid-19 self-test kits are also known as Antigen Rapid Test Kits (RTK-Ag) that give you the result within 15-20 minutes just by using a nasal swab or saliva sample. In July, The Health Ministry (MoH) conditionally approved the import and distribution of two Covid-19 self-test kits. The Medical Devices Authority (MDA), which is part of the Ministry of Health, was in charge of enforcing medical device rules and registering medical devices.
It is critical to follow the instructions on the kit. A negative result creates only one red line in the “C” region and no red line in the “T” region, whereas positive result produces two red lines in the “C” and “T” regions. If there are no coloured lines or only one red line on the “T” region, the result is considered invalid.
Have you ever wondered where you could buy Covid-19 test kits? Here’s where to look for them, as well as everything you need to know before purchasing. However, these are created and shared online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice and should not be used for health or personal advice.
1. Salixium-COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Rapid Test
Salixium detects the presence or absence of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in saliva and a nasal sample. It’s easy to use. All you have to do is to simply swab 2cm up your nostrils with a soft swab. You’ll need to download the mySalixium App for ease of result generation, authentication and test tracing. This test kit has a sensitivity of 91.4% and a specificity of 100%. There will be no false positives if the specificity is 100%, while the sensitivity is 91.4%. What does this mean? Out of 100 people, 8.6 will report a false negative.
Company: Reszon Diagnostics International
Manufacturer: Reszon Diagnostics International,Selangor, Malaysia
Price: RM39.90
2. Gmate COVID-19 Ag Saliva for Home Use
Gmate is also one of the popular RTK for detecting Covid-19 at home. Instead of swabbing your mouth, you spit saliva into the reagent container, shake it, and then drop some mixed reagent into the test kit. However, you should not eat, drink or smoke 30 minutes before conducting the test. According to the manufacturer, this test kit has a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 100%. There will be no false positives if the specificity is 100%, while the sensitivity is 91%, which indicates that out of 100 people, 9 will report a false negative.
Company: Citymedic
Manufacturer: Philosys, Korea
Price: RM39.90
3. BERIGHT-COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device
BERIGHT is another popular RTK Antigen test, but it only uses a salive sample to detect the presence or absence of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. This test kit is very user friendly. BERIGHT Saliva Antigen Test Kit has high accuracy with 90% sensitivity and 99% specificity. There are no other conditions such as drinking, eating, or smoking 30 minutes before the test that could affect the test results.
Company: Medinics
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech, China
Price: RM39.90
4. ALLTest Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test
ALLTest Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test is a simple, self-administered test kit for Covid-19 screening. You just have to place your saliva into the Funnel Collection Tube and you will be able to see the result in 15 minutes. Follow the instructions of use that are stated on the labels to ensure the test is used correctly. ALLTest also has high accuracy with 90% sensitivity and 99% specificity.
Company: Global Science
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech, China
Price: RM39.90
Where To Buy Covid-19 Self Test Kits?
These self-test kits can be acquired through a registered operating pharmacies and health facilities that are licensed to sell it. It’s not a good idea to buy directly from random vendors as you won’t be able to contact a healthcare professional about how to use the kit in a correct way and it’ll be difficult to verify the product’s authenticity.
