I went to buy a Covid Self Test Kit at the pharmacy recently because I wanted to visit a loved one. Swab or Saliva test? The pharmacist asked. I chose saliva because it is easier for me to manage. It cost me about RM19.90. However the prices will be coming down further which is a good thing because it will encourage more testing. In fact, you can now get it below RM7 now and apart from pharmacies, you can also find it at supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations. The new ceiling price for the self test kits will be out later this month.
I test because I care. When I visit my loved ones, they will feel more at ease with me knowing I am fully vaccinated and tested too. For those who landed on this page because they are searching for how to do a covid test using a covid self test kit, here is how I did the test.
This is the front of the box. I checked that this brand is included in the list of approved Covid-19 self test kits by the Ministry of Health. The contents of the box include a self test device, a collection tube, a single use buffer (liquid), instruction for use and a biosafety bag for disposal.
This is the back of the box. It includes simple instructions on how to use the covid-19 self test kit. Another more detailed description is included in the box. It is recommended to collect the first saliva after deep coughing in the morning. Do not consume food, drink, gum or tobacco products for at least 10 minutes before collection and remember to keep your hands clean.
Follow the instructions exactly as shown on the box and make sure you read the more detailed instruction leaflet that comes with the kit.
Tip: You are supposed to empty a liquid buffer after you have collected the saliva so make sure not to collect beyond the scale line so that there is space for the buffer with the amounts exactly as indicated.
Below are contents of the covid-19 self test kit which includes the test device in a separate packaging and the test apparatus.
Below is the test apparatus.
The box has a convenient place for you to rest your funnel to prevent any spills while you prepare to empty the buffer content into the collection tube
Make sure you empty the entire content of the disposable buffer into the collection tube.
The test device is in a separate package. When you have collected your sample, drop 2 drops of sample into the sample well (marked S).
Reading your test results. Check your results in 15 minutes and no more than that. Do not check at 20 minutes. Two coloured lines appearing at test line (T) and control line (C) indicates a positive result. The result is negative if the coloured line appeares at the control line (C) only. The test is invalid if control line (C) fails to appear. This could be because of insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques.
If your test is negative you can now visit your loved ones with more peace of mind. However, remember to still keep to SOP of wearing mask and washing your hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer.
Note: After you have got your result, don’t forget to update your MySejahtera. When updating either for yourself or your dependent, you will be asked for your name, telephone number, email address, address, where you bought the kit (whether at pharmacy or clinic etc), what type of kit (whether nasal swab or saliva) before keying in your results.
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