Indian Council of Medical Research recently issued revised guidelines for covid testing in laboratories after observing that many are facing challenges to meet the expected RT-PCR testing target due to steep rise in cases and staff getting contracted with Covid-19.
But with the increasing case load of Covid-19 and unavailability of staff and infrastructure, the ICMR on Wednesday issued guidelines for Covid-19 home testing. As per the advisory, an individual can examine himself or herself without the need of any medical professional’s presence.
Furnishing details on the process of conducting test, the ICMR stated that it has recommended one kit called CoviSelf for the purpose of home testing. Only nasal swab will be required for this rapid antigen testing.
CoviSelf test is “authorised for non-prescription home use with self-collected nasal swab specimens from individuals aged 18 years and older or with adult-collected samples from individuals aged 2 years or older”.
The ICMR iterated that this test must not be utilised indiscriminately. Only those who manifest symptoms and who are immediate contacts of laboratory-confirmed positive cases should select this home-based testing.
Now Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions will provide India’s first self-use rapid antigen test (RAT) kit for Covid-19 for Rs 250 per pack. The product has been approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).