How to use Rapid Antigen Test Kits for home testing | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the wake of alarming COVID-19 cases across the country, ICMR issued an advisory for home testing using Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).

As per ICMR guidelines, only symptomatic and the immediate contacts of COVID confirmed cases have to use these test kits.

Here are the full details of ICMR advisory:

• While conducting home testing, the procedure shall be followed as specified by the manufacturer in the user manual.  
• All users shall download the home testing mobile application, which is available in Google play store or Apple store. The app directs the testing procedure and helps in knowing the test result of the patient.
• After the completion of the test procedure, users have to click a picture of the strip with a mobile phone. They shall use the same mobile phone on which the mobile app has been downloaded and registered with details.
• The data in the app of the mobile phone will be captured and stored securely in the ICMR COVID-19 testing portal. They will maintain the confidentiality of the patient.
• Those who test positive are considered true positives. They need not repeat the test. Nor they need an RT-PCR test for confirmation of the disease.
• However, all symptomatic individuals should undergo an RT-PCR test if they test negative by RAT. This is because RATs miss some positive cases that have a low viral load. They shall follow the prescribed home isolation protocol until they get the RTPCR test result.
• All COVID confirmed individuals have to follow home isolation protocols prescribed by ICMR and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW). They can access the guidelines at: https://www.icmr.gov.in/chomecare.html.
• Test results can be interpreted as specified in the user manual. The test kit, swab and other material must be disposed of as per the instructions of the manufacturer.

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