ICMR Approves India’s First Covid-19 Self-Test Kit

Introduction to Coviself

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has authorized the country’s first Covid-19 self-test kit, named Coviself, developed by Mylab Discovery Solutions Ltd, based in Pune. This kit serves as a home-based rapid antigen testing (RAT) solution for Covid-19.

Who Can Use Coviself?

Coviself is designed for use by symptomatic individuals and those who have been in close contact with confirmed Covid-19 cases.

Pricing and Availability

The Coviself test kit is available for purchase at a price of Rs. 250 per kit through Medidy.

How the Test Kit Works

The self-test kit requires the collection of a nasal swab to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is user-friendly, comfortable, and provides results in just 20 minutes. Notably, a doctor’s prescription is not required for its use.

Guide to Using the Coviself Kit

Here is a comprehensive 10-point guide to effectively using the Coviself test kit:

1. Wash and dry your hands before opening the Coviself pouch.
2. Download the Mylab CoviSelf app on your mobile device and enter your personal details. Record the QR code on the test cassette to link it with your information.
3. Remove the pre-filled buffer from the pouch, tapping it vertically on a flat surface to settle the extraction buffer.
4. Unscrew the cap without spilling and hold it upright.
5. Take the nasal swab from its package and insert the swab tip into each nostril up to 2-4 cm or until you feel resistance. Roll the swab five times in each nostril to collect samples.
6. Insert the nasal swab into the pre-filled extraction tube, pinch the tube’s bottom, and spin the swab ten times to mix it with the extraction buffer.
7. Break the swab at the designated breakpoint and discard the remaining portion while mixing it in the buffer. Secure the tube with its attached nozzle cap.
8. Apply two drops of the extracted antigen buffer mixture into the sample well of the cassette by pressing down on the tube, then wait for 10-15 minutes.
9. Read the test results within 15 minutes; positive results will appear within this timeframe. If no results are visible after 20 minutes, it indicates a negative result. Results after 20 minutes are invalid.
10. Use the app’s notification to record your test results. Capture an image of the test device and wait for the Coviself app to analyze and display your Covid-19 report.

Impact on Covid-19 Management

As India faces challenges from the second wave of Covid-19, which has strained healthcare resources, the introduction of self-test kits like Coviself is anticipated to significantly improve Covid-19 management. These kits can alleviate congestion at diagnostic laboratories, minimize the need for home sample collection, and facilitate rapid results, thus enabling timely treatment and isolation.