Self-testing Covid-19 kits to be available next month

 

Self-testing Covid-19 kits will only be made available in the commercial markets next month after authorities test their reliability.

However, those already on the market without approval were found to be unreliable in detecting Covid-19.

This is according to notes distributed by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Maicci) to its members yesterday, after a virtual briefing by Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on July 4 with chambers of commerce.

According to the notes, Noor Hisham said not all 15 brands were evaluated for reliability and sensitivity. Some, which are already sold without approval, are not meeting standards.

"He (Noor Hisham) says - the commercial interest submits good batches for testing, but the sold ones have results that are half the testing batch - which will make self-testing unreliable," the notes read.

Malaysiakini has contacted Noor Hisham for further information.

Public pressure for more accessible tests

This came as public pressure mounts for cheaper, more accessible Covid-19 testing amid a spike in cases, especially in the Klang Valley.

Last month, the Health Ministry set a ceiling price on Covid-19 testing at RM150 for the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, RM60 for the RTK-antigen tests and RM50 for RTK antibody tests in peninsular Malaysia.

In Sabah and Sarawak, it is RM200, RM80 and RM70 respectively.

The Malaysian Medical Association said the ceiling price is too low considering the logistical costs and could undermine the safety and quality of the tests.

Meanwhile, private hospitals said the ceiling price does not include other associated fees like the cost of personal protective equipment used by personnel taking the sample or medical consultation.

A PCR test could cost double the ceiling price at a private facility, making it prohibitive to many.

To date, the Health Ministry only conducts free testing for those deemed exposed to the virus through close contact, with testing done via swab by healthcare professionals.

The Selangor government provides free community testing, also via swabs by healthcare professionals.

RTK-antigen self-test kits will be available over the counter at selected retailers in Singapore starting June 16, and cost between S$10 and S$13.

The brands sold in Singapore are Abbott PanBio and QuickVue, which can be self-administered with results available within 20 minutes.

The Singapore government noted that the tests have a lower sensitivity and higher chances of false-negative results than expensive PCR tests but will be made available to the public to make testing more accessible as the city-state prepares to resume more activities. - Mkini