India’s first Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for self-use in detecting Covid-19, named CoviSelf, has recently been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Pune-based molecular company MyLab Discovery Solutions is responsible for the development of this groundbreaking test. ICMR, one of the oldest medical research bodies globally, is considered India’s peak authority in guiding, coordinating, and advocating biomedical research.
Understanding CoviSelf
CoviSelf leverages RAT technology and can yield results within 15 minutes. It works in tandem with a mobile application of the same name, which directly uploads any positive test reports to the ICMR portal. The test, however, is only recommended by the ICMR for individuals displaying symptoms or those who have been in close contact with COVID-19 patients and need to carry out tests at home. It does not endorse the use of this test as a general screening tool in public spaces among commuters, hawkers, or shop owners.
Rapid Antigen Test and its Relation To RT-PCR
Rapid Antigen Tests work by detecting antigens (foreign substances triggering an immune response) present within or on the SARS-CoV-2 virus through nasal sample swabs. This point-of-care test, which does not necessitate a traditional laboratory setting, aims to identify the virus rather than body-produced antibodies, similar to RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction).
While both tests share this objective, they differ significantly in their execution time. In an RT-PCR test, RNA (Ribonucleic acid) is extracted from the patient’s swab, converted into DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), and amplified, taking between 2-5 hours. Conversely, the RAT produces a positive or negative result in just 30 minutes.
Advantages of Self-Testing
Self-testing presents several benefits, including cost-effectiveness as the swab collection is straightforward, time-efficient, and eliminates the stress of securing lab appointments. It also reduces the risk of transmission as individuals can conduct the testing at home, thereby limiting movement and potential exposure to Covid-19. Furthermore, self-testing can relieve overloaded labs operating at maximum capacity. Despite their lower sensitivity level, cost-effective RATs can assist in achieving mass surveillance objectives.
Potential Concerns Related to Self-Testing
However, self-testing does pose some concerns, primarily the reliability of the results due to potential for incorrect sample collection or contamination of the swab stick. The possibility of false negatives is significantly high with RATs, which may give a false sense of security if an asymptomatic Covid-infected person tests negative. Additionally, placing the responsibility of reporting test results on individuals might result in underreporting, making contact tracing and quarantine procedures more challenging.
The Way Forward With Self-Tests
While self-tests can be effective if done properly – isolation norms are adhered to, accurate data is provided, and results are correctly interpreted – over-reliance on such tests is not recommended. These tests can supplement established testing methods but should not constitute the bulk of them.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024