‘90% sensitive’ saliva self-tests almost ready for use, says DG

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PETALING JAYA: The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has completed its studies on two rapid antigen Covid-19 self-test kits, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today.

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In a brief Twitter post, he said both test kits were found to have a sensitivity of more than 90%.

“The Medical Device Authority (MDA) is detailing the user guide and (it) will be finished by next week,” he said.

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In February, the IMR said it was studying the use of saliva and “deep throat saliva” to be used as samples to detect Covid-19, replacing swabs taken from the nose and throat.

This method is seen as important as it is “self-collected” and can save on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Philippines has already started using at-home, saliva-based Covid-19 test kits since February, distributed by MY EG Services Bhd (MYEG).-FMT


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