Simple, Fast, Reliable: This Simple Test Kit At Home Will Give You Fast Results In Just 15 Minutes

Early detection of COVID19 not only reduces the impact but also helps in breaking the chain of its transmission. 

Abbott has launched the PanbioTM COVID 19 antigen self-testing kit for early detection of the virus in adults or children. This is a rapid COL-07118-01 Panbio COVID-19 Ag ST – Practo Online Article (India) antigen test that detects antigens aka identifiable proteins of the virus which stimulate an immune response in your body for Coronavirus.

This test is approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and facilitates self-reading of results and quick online reporting to ICMR via Abbott’s NAVICATM app.

So, what does the PanbioTM COVID-19 antigen self-testing kit contain?
1 test device, 1 instruction manual, 1 tube, 1 blue cap, 1 buffer bottle, 1 swab, 1 bag, and 1 tube rack.

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But since it is a home testing kit, how can we store it?

The test kit has to be stored between 2-30 °C. Please note that it cannot be frozen. If it’s kept in the refrigerator, it needs to be kept at room temperature for 30 minutes before use. 

You cannot place the kit in direct sunlight. The kit also has to be used immediately after removing from packaging and cannot be used a day more than the indicated expiration date.  

How can we use this kit at home?

If you suspect anyone including yourself to be infected with COVID19, you are eligible to take this test. All you need to do is read the instructions carefully. If you are having trouble understanding the usage, you can download the NAVICATM app and follow the prompts.

Here is the step-by-step guide:

1. Open the box and remove the components, but do not open the individual components.
2. Squeeze liquid from the buffer bottle into the tube till the fill line and place the tube on the rack.
3. Remove the swab from the package at the stick end and swab both nostrils one after the other, by inserting the swab up to 2cms or till resistance is met and rotating the swab 5 times against the nasal wall.
4. Insert the swab into the tube and swirl it in the liquid at least 5 times.
5. Hold the tube, and snap the swab at the break line.
6. Discard the stick and leave the swab in the tube.
7. Secure the tube with the blue cap and place it in the rack.
8. Take out the test device from its package and place it on a flat surface.
9. Remove the white cap of the tube and squeeze 5 drops of the liquid into the well on the test device.
10. Secure the tube with the white cap and wait for 15 minutes.
11. After 15 minutes, use the NAVICATM app to click a picture of the test device and submit the result. The app will display your results and also submit them to ICMR.
12. Interpret the results and dispose-off the test kit as per instructions.

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How can you identify whether you are infected or not?

Find the result window and look carefully for two lines.

1. Positive Result: If there are two lines, control (C) and test (T) line, the COVID-19 virus was detected.
2. Negative Result: If only the control (C) line is present, the COVID-19 virus was not detected.
3. Invalid Result: If no control (C) line is present, the test is invalid.

Who all can take the test?

The test kit can be used by individuals of all ages. However, with children below the age of 14 years, the test should be supervised by an adult.

What are the advantages of using PanbioTM COVID-19 antigen self-test kit?

1. It detects COVID-19 infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
2. It provides results in 15 minutes.
3. It is easy to use with illustrated step-by-step instructions included in the kit.
4. It reduces the need to visit busy and crowded healthcare facilities for COVID-19 testing.
5. It provides accurate results*.

*In clinical evaluations of 102 self-test users, the PanbioTM COVID-19 antigen self-test test correctly identified 100.0% (81 out of 81) of SARS-CoV-2 negative samples and 95.2% (20 out of 21) of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples.

What are the limitations of the test?

1. It works effectively only with a nasal swab (the one provided in the test kit).
2. The test performance can be affected if the instructions are not followed or samples are handled incorrectly.
3. Reading the test results before 15 or after 20 minutes may give incorrect results.

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What is the kit priced at?

A single test kit is priced at Rs 325 and a pack of 2 is available for Rs 650. The kit is also available in packs of 4, 10, and 20. You can get this kit at the nearest pharmacy.

Things to take into consideration while taking this test at home

There are a few aspects to be considered while using the test.

1.  Each single test kit and components (except the tube rack) are for single use only.

2.  Avoid eating or smoking while handling the sample.

3. Wash hands before and after the test.

4. After the test, dispose-off all the materials in the bag provided and clean up spills using a disinfectant.

5. Touch the swab end only to the nasal cavity and inside of the tube, and handle the test device by its

sides to prevent contamination.

6. Do not use the kit if the pouch is damaged.

7. Wait for 4 hours before repeating the test if the result was invalid.

If the test is positive, contact a doctor immediately and follow self-isolation guidelines. Further, a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 infection and false-negative results are possible. If you test negative, but COVID-19 related symptoms continue, get the RT-PCR test done.

 A confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 should only be made by a medical professional after further evaluation.

Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by Alere Medical Private Limited, Now Abbott, as part of a collaboration activity for public interest. The content presented on this page is for informational and educational purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please “DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE” and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns, consult your doctor for more information. Abbott will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page. © 2021 Abbott. All rights reserved. All trademarks referenced are trademarks of either the Abbott group of companies or their respective owners.