ICMR approves self-use COVID-19 testing kit developed by Mylab,can be purchased for Rs 250
- May 21, 2021,
- Updated May 21, 2021, 12:21 AM IST
NEW DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the first COVID-19 self-testing kit for use at home developed by Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions.
It is the first self-use rapid antigen test (RAT) kit for COVOD-19 which can be purchased for Rs 250 per pack.
The test results would have to be submitted by users at home using an app available on the Google Play and Apple App Stores.
The data in the mobile phone app will be centralised in a secure server connected to the ICMR COVID-19 testing portal, where all data will ultimately be processed, according to an advisory from the ICMR.
The CoviSelf self-use test, according to ICMR guidelines, can be used by symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts with reported cases without the need for sample collection by a health professional.
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According to the ICMR advisory, all people who test positive are considered true positives, and no further testing is needed.
All RAT negative symptomatic individuals, on the other hand, will be treated as suspect COVID-19 cases and recommended to follow the ICMR/Health ministry home isolation protocol while waiting for the RTPCR test results. It also expresses concern about indiscriminate testing.
Hasmukh Rawal, Managing Director of Mylab Discovery Solutions said, "We are sharing the power of early testing with people through CoviSelf. Thousands of lives will be saved. We will make millions of kits available in India at a fraction of the cost of similar kits in the United States."
Moreover, all testing materials, instructions for use (IFU) leaflet, and a biohazard bag to safely dispose of the results will be included with each package.
Within a few days, the company will begin sending out tests. Mylab's total production capacity is 70 lakh tests per week, but it expects to expand to 1 crore tests per week in 14 days.