Reduce dependence on RT-PCR, go for quick tests, says KJ

 

Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin says it is ‘better to have 1,000 people tested with RTK-Ag than 10 people with RT-PCR’ to identify Covid-19 patients quickly.

KUALA LUMPUR: Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has advised the people to reduce dependence on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) screening and instead use rapid test kits during the transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19.

In a two-minute video posted on Twitter today, he said the Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag) is more effective in tackling the Omicron wave as it gives results in just 15 minutes.

“In the current situation where the Omicron variant spreads rapidly, RTK is more effective as there is no need to wait 24 to 48 hours to know whether one is positive or not.

Khairy Jamaluddin.

“It is better to have 1,000 people tested with RTK-Ag than 10 people with RT-PCR although RT-PCR is more sensitive,” he said.

He said RTK-Ag is also cheaper than RT-PCR and is readily available on the market.

Khairy said those who tested positive on RTK-Ag should immediately undergo quarantine and need not seek a confirmation test through RT-PCR screening.

He also said the health ministry, through the Medical Device Authority, had been directed to continue monitoring the quality of Covid-19 self-test kits in the market and take action on products that did not meet the required standards. - FMT