CoviSelf – India’s first self-testing kit | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases and the need for tests, the country’s first self-testing kit for COVID-19 has been launched.

Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solutions launched a self-testing kit, CoviSelf, for COVID-19 patients. It is India’s first home testing kit for COVID-19 patients. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved it.

CoviSelf is a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kit. It is available for ₹250 per pack. It helps COVID-19 patients to self-check in the comfort of their homes.

As it is easy and simple to do, anyone with symptoms can use it and check without waiting for laboratory tests. However, RATs are less accurate than RT-PCR tests. Hence, if anyone gets negative through this test and has symptoms, they shall undergo an RT-PCR test. On the other hand, if the test result is positive, then there is no need for the RT-PCR test.

CoviSelf test kit comes with a user manual. Hence, patients can get their tests done as per the manual.

The test result will be available within 20 minutes and can be accessed through the Mylab CoviSelf app.

There is a biohazard bag for easy and safe disposal after the completion of the test.

While using the kit, clean your hands thoroughly.

To use CoviSelf, you need to download the Mylab CoviSelf app and enter your details.

Then scan the QR code on the test device so that it will be linked with your details.

Follow the user manual and tap the pre-filled buffer tube vertically to make sure the solution settles at the bottom.

Take the nostril swab and insert it into your nose carefully. Roll it five to six times to extract the cells. Repeat the process in the other nostril also with the same swab.

Then dip the nasal swab into the pre-filled buffer solution and pinch its bottom. Swirl the swab as specified and cover the tube with a nozzle cap.

Press the tube to mix the sample of the device with a few drops of extracted antigen buffer mixture. Wait for some time.

You will get your result within 15 minutes. If you do not get the result within 20 minutes, your report will be negative. Any result that appeared after 20 minutes is treated as invalid. Click a picture of the device with the app and wait to evaluate the result. Then dispose of the kit in the given biohazard bag.

Image by Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay (Free for commercial use)

Image Reference: https://pixabay.com/photos/corona-test-test-students-covid-19-5967572/