Commenting on a government statement that the country’s true positivity rate was not being captured, virologist Kumitaa Theva Das of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said it was possible to track all results from self-test kits through the use of the QR code.
She said every test cassette should, ideally, have its QR code and ID number embossed. A person buying a kit should be required to log the purchase into MySejahtera by scanning the QR code.
Kumitaa said the MySejahtera app should be upgraded so that a person will be able to snap a photo of their result using the app. The app’s artificial intelligence can be used to determine if it is positive or negative.
According to the government, the current recording of positivity rates takes into account only lab-tested samples and those testing positive on their self-test kits.
Malaysia’s recorded positivity rate on Sept 21 was 13.1%.
Kumitaa said the approach she was recommending was similar to the one used before in lab-based lentivirus testing, in which pictures of test cassettes into which samples had been dropped were sent through an app for analysis.
At present, those buying Covid-19 self-test kits from pharmacies have their personal details taken down and some pharmacists make follow-up calls to check on the test results.
“Contacting a person can be overwhelming for pharmacists and can be labour intensive. It is better to have an integrated system where each kit has a code and results can be analysed with MySejahtera.
“Your phone then detects if you are positive or negative. The concept is similar to those used in many commercially available virus rapid test kits which use smartphone apps.
“Once the information is in the system, volunteers at the Covid Assessment Centre can call for follow-up information,” she said, adding that it was important for everyone to report his or her result on MySejahtera, even when testing negative.
According to Kumitaa, the MySejahtera app could be used to upload results and automated chatbots can then pose follow-up questions to users.
Recently, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii urged the government to encourage the reporting of self-test results by giving rebates to those making their reports.
Health minister Khairy Jamaluddin supported the idea.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST DATA ON THE COVID-19 SITUATION IN MALAYSIA