Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently approved COVID-19 self-test kits for import and distribution in Malaysia
The COVID-19 self-test kits are also known as Antigen Rapid Test Kits (RTK-Ag) that require nasal or throat swab samples and can give you results within 15 to 20 minutes.
In their guidelines, the MOH reminds individuals that the COVID-19 self-test kits are screening tools, used for the advantage of quick and easy detection for the public at home.
They do not replace the gold-standard, diagnostic RT-PCR tests to confirm your COVID-19 status.
As of 29 July, the Medical Device Authority (MDA) has approved six self-test kits from different companies to support detection of the coronavirus in the community.
Image via Ruhr-Universität Bochum
As there may be a variety in the market, the ministry is reminding consumers to ensure that the kits they buy are MDA-approved
The COVID-19 self-test kits can be used by:
– Individuals who simply want to screen themselves for their COVID-19 status,
– Individuals who have had contact with COVID-19 cases, or
– Other screening opportunities, including at international entry points, interstate and pre-employment screening, as well as pre-admission to higher institutions.
You can get the COVID-19 self-test kits:
– By purchasing them at authorised pharmacies and private health facilities, or
– As supplied at any MOH health facility as per their requirements.
MySejahtera has also added a new ‘COVID-19 Self Test’ section that allows you to update your test result, purchase kits online, and read more information about them.
The recommended retail price for these tests is RM39.90.
Image via MySejahtera
Here are the approved RTK-Ag tests you can use at home:
1. Salixium COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit
Image via Reszon Diagnostics International
Sample: Saliva and nasal swab
Company: Reszon Diagnostics International
Manufacturer: Reszon Diagnostics International, Selangor, Malaysia
Accuracy: Sensitivity 91%, specificity 100%
Time to result: 15 minutes
Price: RM39.90
Available at: Authorised pharmacies and health facilities (We found them online at Multicare Pharmacy, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Pharma2u, and DoctorOnCall).
2. Gmate COVID-19 Saliva Ag for Home Use
Image via Philosys
Sample: Saliva
Company: Citymedic
Manufacturer: Philosys, Korea
Accuracy: Sensitivity 91%, specificity 98%
Time to result: 15 minutes
Price: RM39.90
Available at: Authorised pharmacies and health facilities (We found them online at Watsons, Guardian, Caring, AA Pharmacy, Multicare Pharmacy, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Alpro Pharmacy, Pharma2u, and DoctorOnCall).
3. BeRight COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Image via Medinics
Sample: Saliva
Company: Medinics
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech, China
Accuracy: Sensitivity 90%, specificity 99%
Time to result: 15 minutes
Price: RM39.90
Available at: Authorised pharmacies and health facilities (We found them online at Multicare Pharmacy and Big Pharmacy).
4. AllTest COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Image via Global Science
Sample: Saliva
Company: Global Science
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech, China
Accuracy: Sensitivity 90%, specificity 99%
Time to result: 15 minutes
Price: RM39.90
Available at: Authorised pharmacies and health facilities.
5. JusChek COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Image via Pharma2u
Sample: Saliva
Company: Neopharma Biotech Asia
Manufacturer: Hangzhou AllTest Biotech, China
Accuracy: Sensitivity 90%, specificity 99%
Time to result: 15 minutes
Price: RM39.90
Available at: Authorised pharmacies and health facilities (We found them online at Pharma2u).
6. Longsee 2019-nCoV Ag & Influenza A/B Rapid Co-Detection Kit
Image via Longsee
Sample: Saliva
Tests for: COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) and the common flu (Influenza A and B)
Company: Jingga Anggun
Manufacturer: Guangdong Longsee Biomedical, China
Time to result: 15 minutes
Price: RM39.90
Available at: Authorised pharmacies and health facilities.
Here’s how to use the COVID-19 self-test kits
Although all the tests are similar, always read the individual product’s instructions before use.
Generally, this is how the procedure goes:
– Sanitise or wash your hands before beginning.
– Take the saliva (deeply cough and spit into the test tube) or swab sample (swab the inside of your cheek or nostril) as stated in the kit.
– Add reagent to the test tube to be mixed.
– Add two drops of that sample to the specimen well, then wait 15 minutes.
– Read the test results. There will be a control line (C) and a test line (T).
Image via AFP/The Straits Times
After performing the test, make sure all the tools are thrown into the biohazard bag given in the kit and tie it up properly before throwing into the trash. Also, disinfect the area you carried out the test at and wash your hands with soap and water.
Here’s a video tutorial on how to use the Salixium COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kit.
What to do after you’ve received your results
If you tested positive:
– You must report your positive result on MySejahtera (as mandated in the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342]).
– You are to present yourself to either a private health facility, COVID-19 assessment centre (CAC), or nearby public health clinic for assessment and further action (most likely a confirmatory PCR test). Be sure to wear a face mask when leaving the house and avoid public transport.
If you tested negative:
– You may report your negative result on MySejahtera.
– If you have symptoms, please head to a private health facility or public health clinic for an assessment.
– If you are a close contact of a COVID-19 case, you must still continue your compulsory quarantine period of 10 days.