WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COVISELF
Frequently Asked Questions
The CoviSelf COVID-19 Antigen Test is a self-test kit to detect the protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in direct nasal swab samples. Home testing is advised by ICMR in symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of laboratory confirmed positive cases. For latest guidelines, please refer to ICMR website.
Yes, you can take this test at home. This test is authorized for self-use for individuals aged 18 years and older. For those aged 2 years or older, the test should be conducted by an adult.
For positive results, both quality control line C and the test line T will be visible. This may take up to 15 minutes for results to appear.
Positive result confirms the presence of COVID-19 viral antigens. All test positive individuals should follow home isolation and care as per the ICMR & Ministry of Health & Family Welfare protocol available here: https://www.icmr.gov.in/chomecare.html
For negative results, only quality control line C is visible and test line T is not visible. This means that Covid-19 antigen has not been detected. It may take up to 15 minutes to confirm negative result. If you get negative test, you should follow the guidelines
A negative result does not completely rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection. As per ICMR guidelines, if you are symptomatic, you should get themselves immediately tested by RTPCR. If you are asymptomatic, you may decide to repeat the test next day. We advise you follow the latest advisory from ICMR for next steps.
There is no potential hazard or side effects associated with the test, however there might be possible discomfort during sample collection. Also, there might be a possible case when that a result may be wrongly interpreted.
The results from the CoviSelf COVID-19 Antigen Test along with any medical history can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care. The results of this test may help limit the spread of COVID-19 to your family and others in your community if you take the necessary precautions.
No, the nasal swab is specially designed for easy and comfortable swabbing. Sometimes the swab can feel slightly uncomfortable or tickly, however, if you feel pain, please stop the test and seek advice from healthcare provider.
Molecular test (also known as RT-PCR tests) detects the genetic material of the virus. Antigen tests detect the proteins from the virus. With an antigen test, a positive result is highly accurate, but negative result does not rule out an infection.
Each CoviSelf COVID-19 Antigen Test pouch contains:
- One pre-filled extraction tube
- One sterile nasal swab
- One instruction manual
- One test card
- One biohazard bag
Yes, you can take this test at home. This test is authorized for self-use for individuals aged 18 years and older. For those aged 2 years or older, the test should be conducted by an adult.
The liquid (lysis buffer) in the tube is a virus inactivating solution which reduces the chance of contamination to the environment.
All contents of the kit should be put into the provided yellow biohazard bag and can be disposed in household waste.
Yes. Before starting the test, please download Mylab CoviSelf App on Google Play or App Store. It is important to fill in your credentials and proceed with the test.
You can store the test kit at room temperature in a place out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze any of the test kit contents. Do not use test kit after the expiration date. The test card comes in a sealed pack inside the kit package. Use the test card within 10 minutes of opening.
Yes, this will ensure accuracy of the test. Make sure all tests reagents are at room temperature before use.
If the quality control line C is not observed, it will be invalid regardless of whether test line T appears. In this case, the test need to be conducted again with new test kit.
If you are experiencing congestion in your nostrils, you must first decongest your nostrils by removing the mucous/congestion.
You need to insert the nasal swab up to 2-4 cm until resistance is met.
You must first put the components of the test in the biohazard bag provided before you dispose it bin. Do not discard open components in bin.
No. It may not give accurate results after expiry date.
No. Once the sample is collected from both nostrils with a swab, it must not be reused. It must be discarded along with the other contents of the kits into the biohazard bag provided.
It is important you do not touch the cotton tip as it will lead to contamination and improper results. If you accidently touch it, please discard the kit and use a new one.
No. Please check the contents of the kit before performing the test.
No. It does not mean you are immune against the Covid-19 infection.
Any results appearing after 20 minutes are considered invalid.
The purpose of reporting the results to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will help them derive critical data on how many people have taken the antigen test, the result of the test, the impact and spread of the virus, the precautionary measures to be adopted for control of the virus.
Yes. As per ICMR guidelines, you can take the test if you have been in contact with laboratory confirmed positive cases.
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 which include fever, shortness of breath, cough, loss of taste, you should take an antigen test. Also, if you have been in contact with laboratory confirmed positive cases, you should take the test.
Yes. The antigen tests work just as well on the new B.1.1.7 variant.