ICMR approves self Rapid Antigen Test kit by Mylab Discovery Solutions; may save time

Yesterday ICMR approved a self Rapid Antigen Test kit developed by Mylab Discovery Solutions. The kit costs Rs. 250. Using the coviself test kit you can test yourself for covid and get the results within 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, their app will give the results with the help of AI. The app data will be centrally captured in a secure server that is connected to ICMR portal. All standard SOPs will be applicable in case of a positive result. If there’s a negative report despite symptoms then the individuals are advised to go forward for an RT-PCR test. People having covid symptoms or in close contact with covid positive persons are to be tested with the kit as per ICMR.

Considering the constraints in covid testing at the moment due to surge in cases, the self test kit might be beneficial for saving time.

The Indian biotechnology company based in Pune uploaded a Youtube video on their channel describing the procedure of getting self-tested. A clean and hygienic environment is recommended for performing the test. The users have to first identify a table and sanitise it thoroughly. After cleaning their hands with soap and water, the test kit has to be opened and the contents are to be kept on the table. The kit contains – an instruction manual, a prefilled extraction tube, a sterile nasopharyngeal swab and a test card. Before starting the test, the Mylab app has to be downloaded on either Playstore or Appstore, fill in the credentials, and then proceed.

Take the prefilled extraction tube and tap it gently three or four times to ensure that the liquid settles at the bottom. Unscrew the cap of the extraction tube and hold the tube in your hand. Open the sterile nasopharyngeal swab from the tail end while holding the extraction tube on the other hand. It’s important not to touch the nasal swab from the head side. Carefully insert the nasopharyngeal swab in both the nostrils one after the other upto 2-4 centimetres or until resistance is met. Roll the swab five times in each nostril. The swab is now ready. Dip the nasal swab sample in the prefilled extraction tube, pinch the tube at the bottom and swirl the nasal swab immersing it with the prefilled liquid in the extraction tube.

Break the upper portion of the swab from above and close the extraction tube (having the lower part of nasal swab inside) with its cap and tighten it. Now take the test card and add two drops to it by pressing the extraction tube. Wait for 15 minutes for the results to appear. Any result appearing after 20 minutes is considered invalid. At 15 minutes, the Mylab Coviself app will raise an alarm and inform about the results.