Ever since the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic happened, the whole world have been practicing more vigilance in caring for everyone’s health and hygiene.
The Medical Device Authority (MDA), a branch under the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) has approved RTK Antigen self-test kits, encouraging locals to test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus at home. This mandate is great, as mass screening is now possible, allowing people to get faster results and lowering the chances of spreading the deadly virus.
Today, we’ll review some 8 MDA-approved Covid-19 self-testing kits, which you can get from most pharmacies. However, do keep in mind that these kits are for screening purposes. The RT-PCR test is still the gold standard for accurate and efficient test results, and you are encouraged to go for a PCR test for confirmatory results.
7 Best Covid-19 Self-Test Kits in Malaysia 2024 - Brand Reviews
Table of Contents
Overview
The kit includes two swabs. One is for your mouth; you rub it on both sides and your palate. The other is for your nose; you slide it about 2 cm into each nostril and roll it around five times on each side. After that, put both swabs in the extraction tube and mix them at least 10 times. Close the tube with the dropper head, then mix again.
Two drops of the sample are to be added onto the test cassette’s sample well, and your results should be ready after 10-15 minutes!
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 91%
- Specificity: 100%
- Sample type: Saliva and anterior nasal swab specimen
- Storage condition: 4-30°C
Who is this for?
If you're concerned about the testing process being intimidating, worry not. This Salixium Covid-19 Rapid Antigen test kit is designed with your comfort in mind. While it involves using a nasal swab, you won't need to insert it deeply into your nostrils. This makes it a user-friendly choice for all individuals.
Overview
Users will have to spit into the regent container after connecting the funnel to it. And your saliva must reach up to ¼ of the container (more is fine!) After that, remove the funnel and put the cap on the reagent container, squeeze it and then shake 20 times after.
Drop 4 drops of the mixed reagent into the test kit and your results will be done 15 minutes later.
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 91%
- Specificity: 100%
- Sample type: Saliva
- Storage Condition: 2ºc to 30 ºc
Who is this for?
Gmate® Covid-19 Ag Saliva for Home Use offers a welcome solution for those who dread or dislike the discomfort of painful swab tests. With this kit, you'll find relief in knowing that only a saliva sample is needed, making testing much more comfortable
Overview
To use, simply fit the funnel onto the tube provided. Users are expected to cough deeply 3-5 times and spit the oral fluid into the funnel. Note that the solution should touch the scale line. After that, place the tube into the provided holder and squeeze 10-15 times. 2 drops of the resulting solution should be put onto the kit. 15 minutes later, your results will be shown.
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 90.1%
- Specificity: 99.3%
- Sample type: Oral fluid
- Storage condition: 2ºc to 30 ºc
Who is this for?
This user-friendly COVID-19 test kit is designed with simplicity in mind. You won't need to navigate through many complex steps to obtain accurate results. Plus, the inclusion of the deep coughing technique enhances the reliability of your reading, targeting the COVID-19 virus in both the lungs and nasal cavity.
Overview
The test has an absorbent tip which is to be put under the person’s tongue. Allow it to absorb saliva for around 40 seconds. Then, put the swab into the sample solvent and rotate it against the wall 5-6 times.
Afterward, soak the swab in the solvent for one minute, squeeze the tube to collect any remaining specimen, and then remove the swab. Mix the solvent thoroughly, cap it, and add 3-4 drops of the solution into the test card's sample hole.
You should get your results after 15 minutes.
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 96.7%
- Specificity: 100.0%
- Sample type: Lollipop
- Storage condition: 4° - 30°C
Who is this for?
The Genrui COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test Kit is ideal, especially for children who may find traditional swab tests uncomfortable. The easy-to-follow instructions and user-friendly design make it simple for both kids and adults to use.
Overview
Before using, one should leave the kit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, you can spit your saliva into the collection funnel up to about 1ml.
From here, you will have to turn the tube upside down for about 5 seconds to allow the sample to combine evenly with the diluent, and leave it at room temperature for 5 minutes. Then, remove the nozzle cap and have 3-4 drops of the sample onto the sample wells. 15-20 minutes later, your results are done!
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 94.3%
- Specificity: 100%
- Sample type: Saliva
- Storage Condition: 4ºc to 30 ºc
Who is this for?
For more advanced COVID-19 testing, you can opt for Longsee 2019-nCoV Ag & Influenza A/B Rapid Co-Detection Kit as it uses immunochromatography technology that enables the simultaneous detection of COVID-19, Flu A, and Flu B. Not only that, the kit also gives you a high-accuracy result and has received approval from the Medical Device Authority (MDA), further attesting to its reliability and quality.
Overview
If you opt to use the saliva test, just deep cough and get your fluids into the sample collector. Use the dropper to put 3 drops into the regent tube and cover it with the cap. For the swab test, you can choose to either swab for fluids from your nostrils (not too deep!) or both sides of your mouth and the palate.
Insert the swab into the regent tube and squeeze 5 times to disturb the fluid, then close the cap and apply 3 drops onto the test card. Results should show after 15 minutes but will be invalid after 30 minutes.
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 97.1%
- Specificity: 98.97%
- Sample type: Saliva and nasal swab
- Storage Condition: 2ºc to 30 ºc
Who is this for?
This test kit delivers commendable high sensitivity and specificity, ensuring precise results that represent excellent value, especially given its competitive price point. Also, it provides users with the convenience of two sampling options: saliva and nasal swab
Overview
This kit comes with a funnel to attach to the tube, where users can cough deeply and release their saliva into. A dropper is given to move fluids easily in order to easily meet the minimum amount needed for the test, indicated as a line on the tube.
After that, empty the entire amount of fluid into the tube and squeeze it for about 10 times after putting on the cap. You can then put two drops onto the kit and see your results 15 minutes later.
Details
- Test time: 15 minutes
- Sensitivity: 90.1%
- Specificity: 99.3%
- Sample type: Saliva
- Storage condition: 2ºc to 30 ºc
Who is this for?
In addition to sharing similar sensitivity and specificity features with other test kits, the ProDetect™ COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Self-Testkit distinguishes itself with an impressive 24-month shelf life at room temperature. If you require extended storage capabilities, this test kit is more than capable of meeting your needs.
FAQ
It’s normal to feel confused about the complications of these test-kits. We’ve simplified some commonly asked questions about them here.
How accurate are RTK Antigen self-test kits?
- Self-test kits are aimed as a screening process for a larger percent of the population due to their ease of use and simple accessibility.
- The lowest accuracy rate ever stated, as per our list, have so far been at 90%. This means its accuracy rate is 10% invalid.
- For confirmation, Malaysians are still advised to take a PCR test, which will be the most accurate of all tests.
What should you know before and after doing the test?
- Note that you must update your MySejahtera for both positive or negative results.
- After your test, access the app and look for a button on the homepage labeled ‘Covid-19 Self-Test’. Fill in the required details and send in your results.
- If you do get a positive result, go immediately to a private health facility, a Covid-19 assessment center (CAC) or a Health Clinic (Klinik Kesihatan) near you.
- All the test kits exhibit results in the same way. Two lines indicate a positive result. Whereas, one line on the ‘C’ bar indicates a negative result.
- If no lines are shown or there is one line on the ‘T’ bar only, it means your test is invalid and you will need to do another test or purchase another kit.
- Do not place anything in the mouth, including food, drink, gum, tobacco, water, and especially mouthwash for at least 30 minutes before carrying out oral tests.
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