How To Use Rapid Antigen Test Kit Correctly (FULL GUIDE)
The Rapid Antigen Test Kit (RTK) is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to test yourself for COVID-19 infections with reasonable accuracy so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The test kit can be obtained at pharmacies across Malaysia, online and offline. There are many different brands to choose from. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about using the Rapid Antigen Test Kit.
- Esyms Team
- February 17, 2022
- 1:32 am
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How Accurate Is The Antigen Test Kit?
Most test kits report that they have a sensitivity between 91-100%. A 100% sensitivity means that there are no false positives, while 91% sensitivity means that out of 100 people, 9 could report false positive (or negative).
Where To Buy Antigen Test Kits In Malaysia?
It is recommended to buy your Rapid Antigen Test Kits are available at your local pharmacy. This is to ensure that you are only purchasing MDA (Medical Device Authority) approved test kits and that you can consult the pharmacist if you have any questions about the test kit and your health. You can also buy Antigen Test Kits online via the esyms online pharmacy and speak to our pharmacists if you have any questions.
When Should You Test Yourself With The Antigen Test Kit?
Always adhere to the SOP guidelines by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should test yourself if:
- You’re experiencing Covid-19 symptoms (e.g. Fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste etc.)
- You have been identified as a close contact with a Covid-19 positive case.
- When you are attending a gathering or event
What Should You Do If You've Tested Positive Using The Rapid Antigen Test Kit?
First of all, you should immediately isolate yourself from others. Then, update your mySejahtera app. There is a button in the app which allows you to self-report and update your health status. As soon as you can, head over to a clinic, hospital or testing centre to get the Covid-19 PCR test done to confirm your result. Remember to isolate yourself from others!
Popular Antigen Test Kit Brands In Malaysia
Here are several popular Antigen Test Kit brands in Malaysia:
1) Salixium Saliva and Nasal Test Kit
Salixium combines the saliva and nasal tests into one for increased accuracy of Covid-19 detection. The current retail price is RM9.90 per test kit on the esyms online pharmacy. Follow the instructions within the packaging to ensure accuracy of results.
2) Newgene Antigen Test Kit
Another popular option is the Newgene Antigen Test Kit. This test allows you to choose from between saliva test option or nasal test option. Hence, you only need to choose one option when performing the test and you can get your results within 15 minutes. The current retail price is RM5.90 per kit on the esyms online pharmacy.
3) GP Antigen Test Kit
The GP Antigen Test Kit is also one the newer generation Covid-19 test kits which don’t involve coughing and spitting. It is easy to use and also children friendly. It retails at RM10.90 per kit on the esyms online pharmacy. You can choose from between saliva and nasal option.
How Do I Use Antigen Test Kits Correctly?
Each Antigen Test Kit comes with its own set of instructions within the product packaging. It is important to follow the instructions in the leaflet closely to avoid getting wrong results (false positive or negative). When in doubt, you can consult one of our pharmacists on the phone or via online chat through our telepharmacy service. It’s complete free to use!
As a general rule of thumb, the Antigen Test kit will contain several components:
A tool for swabbing your nose or mouth
A reagent in an extraction tube
A test cassette with a sample well
The first step is usually to prepare your test kit components. Most product boxes will have a small hole where you can put your extraction tube. If you are swabbing your mouth, always make sure that you do not eat or drink anything up to 15 minutes before testing to ensure an accurate result.
Follow the swabbing instructions of your test kit and once completed, place the swabs into the reagent and mix well. Again, you should follow the mixing instructions of your test kit. Then, use the tools provided to transfer a small amount (2-3 drops) of the mixed solution into the sample well (usually indicated with an “S”).
As the solution moves up the cassette well, you should be able to see your Covid-19 result after 15 minutes.
If 2 lines are visible on the cassette well— C and T, it means you have tested positive for Covid-19. If one line is visible on C, it means you are tested negative. If only one line is visible on T, it means the test is invalid and should be repeated again.
Below you can find an example of instructions for the Salixium Antigen Test Kit. Salixium differs from other brands because the kit requires you to swab both your nasal and mouth cavity for higher accuracy. For most of the other kits, you can choose from either nasal swab or mouth swab option.
Antigen Test Kit Promo Code
Looking for a promo code or discount code to purchase Rapid Antigen Test Kits? Check out our Antigen Test Kit promotion and find out how you can save and have it delivered to your doorstep safely within 2 hours!
Antigen Test Kit Reviews
Here are what general users of Antigen Test Kits are saying. Note that these are their own experiences and should not be considered as medical advice. Names are changed to maintain anonymity.
(On Salixium) Super easy to use with very clear instructions. Will recommend to others to buy just to be on the safe side.
The antigen test kit are easy to use and accurate. The leaflet instructions are precise and easily understood.
Very efficient & fast delivery. Excellent service. Thank you.
Summary
Rapid Antigen Test Kits are a great way to help you quickly check if you’ve caught Covid-19. However, prevention is always better than cure. Always abide by the SOPs given by the government such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and washing hands frequently. If you’ve discovered that you’ve been infected, it is important to report immediately to help curb the spread of the virus.
