What is Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit?
Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit is a type of rapid test kit (RTK) that is able to detect specific antigens of SARS-CoV-2 virus present in human saliva. This type of test is easy to perform, safe, and able to pick up any possible infection early as the results would be out within just 15 minutes!
Who Should Use Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit?
-Those who are well but worried that they may have contracted COVID-19 from close contact.
-Employees who are encouraged by their companies to perform regular testing to avoid workplace transmission.
How Accurate is Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit?
Generally, RTK has a sensitivity (ability to identify patients with COVID-19) of up to 90% for cases with high viral load and specificity (ability to identify patients without COVID-19) of up to 100%. However, these kits have a lower sensitivity rate than Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. PCR test remains the gold standard for diagnostic purposes. Hence, if the RTK result is positive, one would need to follow up with a confirmatory PCR test at the laboratory.
Unboxing the Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit
How to Use Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit?
For easier understanding, Watch Video🧡
How to Interpret the Results and What Should I do Next?
1. Positive Result: Two distinct red lines appear in “C” and “T” Region
You should visit your nearest healthcare facility for a formal RT-PCT test as confirmation. Otherwise, you could choose to report to the Ministry of Health (MoH) through MySejahtera application.
2. Negative Result: One red line appears in “C” region and no red line appears on “T” region
Despite the negative result, you have to stay vigilant and continue to practice safe distancing measures as well as good personal hygiene such as regular hand-washing and mask-wearing. Should you experience any COVID-19 related symptoms, consult your healthcare providers even though the result is negative.
3. Invalid Result: Line appears on “T” region only or no coloured lines appeared at all
An invalid result may occur due to the test not being performed in a correct manner. Visit your nearest healthcare facility for assistance.
If I Spit Too Much on the Test Kit, Would it Affect the Result?
No, this does not affect the accuracy. However, if you spit too little, the insufficient sample may lead to invalid results.
Is Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit Suitable for Children?
Yes, it can be used by children of all ages who are able to spit. Also, this method of sample taking would not cause any discomfort to the child.
How to Store Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit?
Store it in a cool dry place between 2°C-30°C. It is not necessary to keep in the fridge but do bear in mind not to expose the test kit under extreme heat such as keeping it in the car for too long. The heat would affect the accuracy of the test as the reagent might be spoiled. It is important to note that the kit must be used within ONE hour once opened. In cases where it could not be tested immediately, it can be stored at 2°C-8°C for up to 4 hours only.
How to Dispose Covid-19 Antigen Saliva Home Test Kit?
Be sure to take a photo of the results (for safekeeping purposes) before disposing the home test kit. Pack all the used materials in a plastic disposal bag/zipper bag and seal tightly before throwing it into the bin.
Additional Handy Tips
Prepared by: Chew Ee Wei, a HTM Pharmacist.
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