Although the RTK-antigen (RTK-Ag) self-test kits do not compare to the accuracy of the RT-PCR (PCR) tests, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said results could be obtained much faster at a stage in the pandemic when speed was the “rule of the game”.
“Given that we will soon be transitioning to the endemic phase, RTK-Ag self-test kits are useful for fast detection and quick isolation, especially when dealing with the current Omicron wave and future variants,” he told FMT.
Earlier in the week, Tumpat MP Che Abdullah Mat Nawi told the Dewan Rakyat it was a waste of money for people to keep using the RTK-Ag self-test kits when the results are not as accurate as the PCR test.
“If the self-test is not accurate, then it’s better for the government to stop advising the public to use it. This is a big waste of money for consumers,” he said.
Responding to this, Yii said Che Abdullah was inaccurate in his understanding of epidemiology and infectious disease control.
“The aim is to detect those who are infectious and to quickly intervene to minimise the spread of the virus,” he said, noting that the RTK-Ag self-tests approved by the health ministry’s Medical Device Authority generally had a sensitivity above 90% in detecting Covid-19.
Yii said while there are indeed real concerns about the accuracy of self-test kits, the government should instead focus on constant monitoring and enforcement.
This will ensure that the products available in the market meet the required standards.
To reduce the chances of false negatives, Yii advised the public to repeat the test on kits from different manufacturers, especially if they are experiencing symptoms.
He then urged the government to reduce the prices of RTK-Ag kits to below RM5 as self-testing would become the norm during the transition to the endemic phase.
Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia virologist Amir Yunus said it would be wrong for the government to ignore the role of self-test kits.
“The PCR test, which is the gold standard, is way more costly. But the self-test kits offer a much more affordable option for the public.”
He said while different kit manufacturers may have variations in the sensitivity of their products, the public must be aware that the accuracy of test results also depends on how well users themselves collect their samples.
Amir urged those who are symptomatic to continue using self-test kits and to self-isolate, regardless of the results, in the interest of public health.