If you're planning to reunite with loved ones you haven't seen since lockdown or go on a holiday, here's what to know about four Covid-19 rapid antigen kits approved by the Ministry of Health's Medical Device Authority before you embark on your trip
In July 2021, several Covid-19 self test kits were given conditional approval for import and distribution by the Malaysian health ministry, starting with the Salixium Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test by in vitro diagnostics rapid test kits producer Reszon Diagnostic International Sdn Bhd Malaysia, and the Gmate Covid-19 Rapid Test by Philosys Co Ltd in South Korea. In September, the government set the ceiling price for self-test kits at RM19.90. They are available at registered pharmacies and private healthcare facilities i.e. clinics. Currently, there are 41 self-test kits approved by the government.
Related: Where To Get Tested For Covid-19 In Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya
In a Facebook post on July 20, Malaysia's Health DG Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham remarked that these self-test kits are not meant to replace the RT-PCR tests but rather enable the public to conduct self-screenings in order to find out the status of their Covid-19 infection immediately. With state borders reopening and domestic tourism rebounding, it's important to take personal responsibility to self-test before you reunite with loved ones back in your hometown or embark on that well-deserved holiday.
Read on to find out how these rapid antigen test kits work and what to do following a Covid-19 positive result.
Salixium Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test
A combined nasal and saliva swab test that's less invasive than an RT-PCR test, the Salixium Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test reveals results in approximately 15 minutes. Each kit contains disposable swabs for a single test, a waste bag for safe disposal and an extraction buffer tube in which the nasal and saliva swabs must be placed after samples have been collected.
The kit also comes with a unique QR code supported by the Salixium and MySejahtera apps for reporting results and test tracing. As per the requirement by the Ministry of Health, the results of this rapid antigen test must be recorded via MySejahtera. This test is 91 per cent accurate at generating a positive result (91 per cent sensitivity rate) and 100 per cent accurate at generating a negative result (a 100 per cent specificity rate). The Salixium Covid-19 rapid test has a shelf life of about 18 months. It can be purchased online at MedCart or DoctorOnCall.