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THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2021
| Hot Topic |
IN June 2021 , the Health Minister had announced permission to use a self-screening Rapid Test Kit Antigen ( RTK-Antigen kit ) for detection of Covid-19 as a screening device .
By early July 2021 , only two RTKantigen kits were approved . As at Aug 13 , 2021 , a total of 11 self-screening Covid-19 RTK-antigen kits had been approved and nine are saliva RTK-Antigen kits . You can check the list of approved self-screening Covid-19 RTK-Antigen kits on the Medical Device Authority , Ministry of Health Malaysia ’ s website .
The self-saliva RTK-Antigen kit is a simple , non-invasive , and painless test compared to a nasal swab and blood test . It is easy to perform by anyone at home by following step by step per instructions .
Most of these test kits have more than 90 per cent sensitivity and almost 100 per cent specificity which make them suitable as screening devices . Furthermore , the results of these tests can be available within a few minutes .
The self-screening of Covid-19 using saliva RTK-Antigen kits are currently sold at private clinics and pharmacies or can be purchased directly online or through MySejahtera . Once purchased , this test kit should be stored in a suitable place away from sunlight and heat . The consumer is advised to check the device registration verification and expiry date before purchase . The test is invalid if performed on an unregistered or expired date device .
Adhere to the instructions
Certain precautions need to be taken before using the saliva RTK-Antigen kits at home to ensure the accuracy of this test . Activities such as kissing , eating , drinking , smoking , vaping or gargling with mouth wash must be avoided before the test .
The oral cavity needs to be rinsed with tepid plain water at least 30 minutes before the test . Saliva contaminated with foreign substances such as another person ’ s saliva , disinfectant liquids , or foods can affect the screening result .
Hands need to be washed properly before opening the test kit to avoid crosscontamination . The test should be done inside a room with good illumination . It is recommended this test be performed under the supervision of another adult if it is for children , the elderly and individuals with disabilities to avoid errors . However ,
Self-screening using saliva RTK-Antigen test kits
A convenient and quick way to test yourself for Covid-19 at home but esnure you follow the instructions closely
SEPSIS ALERT
BY DR NIZAM ISHAK
AND ASSOC PROF DR TAN TOH LEONG
the assistant needs to wear a glove and mask to avoid cross-contamination .
Once opened , the test kit needs to be checked by placing it on a flat surface . The instructions need to be read properly before collecting the saliva . The saliva needs to be put into the container provided and mixed well with the reagent given .
The mixture needs to be dropped in the designated hole in the test kit using a pipette as per instructions . The test results will be available in a few minutes .
Once the result is available , it is advisable to take a picture of the test kit for future reference . All materials used during the test need to be put in a plastic bag and sealed properly before being discarded into the garbage bin .
Who should use these kits
The results that show either negative , positive , or inconclusive need to be updated on MySejahtera . An inconclusive result needs to be repeated using a new test kit .
A person should start self-quarantine if the test is positive . It is recommended to do another confirmation test at a private clinic and inform the nearby Covid-19 Screening Center ( CAC ) for further action . Failure to report a positive result in MySejahtera is an offence under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act .
This self-saliva RTK-Antigen test kit is encouraged for asymptomatic persons and those with close contact with Covid-19 patients who undergo self-quarantine at home . This test can be performed on the last day of quarantine if there are no symptoms for the persons who are close contacts or have returned from abroad .
Those who plan to cross States to visit children and spouses are also encouraged to do this test . By doing so , it may help reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading .
A person with symptoms is advised to consult a medical practitioner or the CAC before performing self-screening to avoid confusion or misunderstanding . However , this self-test is not suitable for a person who requires official test Covid-19 results for travel overseas or official duty , since it does not have verification from relevant parties such as medical practitioners or laboratories . A real-time polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR ) test still needs to be done .
In conclusion , saliva RTK-Antigen kits are convenient to use by the public for screening Covid-19 . Nevertheless , these test kit prices are quite expensive in Malaysia compared to other countries . It should be regulated in public interest . — The Health
Dr Nizam Ishak is Senior Principal Assistant Director Medico-Legal Section , Medical Practice Division , Ministry of Health Malaysia while Assoc Prof Dr Tan Toh Leong is Senior Lecturer and Emergency Medical Consultant , UKM Medical Center , UKM and President and Founder of Malaysian Sepsis Alliance .
Most of these test kits have more than 90 per cent sensitivity and almost 100 per cent specificity which make them suitable as screening devices . Furthermore , the results of these tests can be available within a few minutes .”