New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has authorised a home-based rapid antigen testing (RAT) equipment for COVID-19 right here on Wednesday. The nation’s apex well being analysis physique additionally suggested that the equipment should be used only on symptomatic individuals and on quick contacts of laboratory-confirmed optimistic instances.
According to the ICMR, the home-based rapid antigen testing equipment manufactured by Mylab Discovery Solutions Ltd, Pune, has been validated and authorised. It stated that only nasal swabs will be required for this rapid antigen testing, including the method should be performed as per the process described by the producer within the person handbook, stated a PTI report.
The ICMR advisory reportedly cautioned folks in opposition to indiscriminate dwelling testing utilizing Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), saying it should be used only on symptomatic individuals and on the quick contacts of laboratory-confirmed optimistic instances.
The advisory acknowledged that each one individuals who check optimistic by way of the RAT equipment could be thought of as true positives and no-repeat testing is required. “Home testing by RAT is advised only in symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of laboratory-confirmed positive cases. Indiscriminate testing is not advised,” the ICMR was quoted by PTI as saying.
“All symptomatic individuals who test negative by RAT should get themselves immediately tested by RT-PCR. This is especially important as the RATs are likely to miss few positive cases presenting with a low viral load,” it added.
“All RAT unfavorable symptomatic individuals could be handled as suspect COVID-19 instances and are suggested to comply with the ICMR/Ministry of Health dwelling isolation protocol whereas awaiting the RT-PCR check outcome,” the advisory additional acknowledged.
The ICMR stated the house testing cellular app is obtainable in Google play retailer and Apple retailer and should be downloaded by all customers, including that the cellular app is a complete information of the testing process and can present a optimistic or unfavorable check outcome to the affected person.
All customers are suggested to click on an image of the check strip after finishing the check process with the identical cell phone which has been used for downloading the cellular app and person registration.
“Data in the app of your mobile phone will be centrally captured in a secure server which is connected with the ICMR COVID-19 testing portal, where all data will be eventually stored. Patient confidentiality will be fully maintained,” the advisory underlined.
The ICMR added that CoviSelfTM(PathoCatch) COVID-19 OTC Antigen LF gadget presently manufactured by Mylab Discovery Solutions Ltd., Pune (Maharashtra), India has been validated and authorised.
(With Agency Inputs)Â
