The Government of Guyana is considering the introduction of COVID-19 home testing kits. According to President, Dr Irfaan Ali, health authorities are analysing the logistical and financial implications associated with this type of testing. The Head of State noted also that these kits will likely quell the increased need for testing by citizens amid a surge is cases.
โ[We are] exploring the costs associated and the supply, because theyโre still issues in the supply chain, and to see our local capacity, and that is what weโre analyzing now in terms of the home testing. But definitely, it is something that is being discussed, because we know based on what we are reading and what is happening, the need for testing would increase and naturally people are going to become concerned with slightest of symptoms and they would want to be tested, so that would increase,โ the President said.
COVID-19 self-tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect persons by reducing the chances of spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Self-tests can be taken at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
Several self-test kits on the market include: Mylab Discoveryโs Coviself (Pathocatch) COVID-19 OTC Antigen LF device; Abbott Rapidโs Panbio COVID-19 Antigen rapid test device; Meril Diagnosticsโ CoviFind COVID-19 Rapid Antigen self test; Angstrom Biotechโs Angtech COVID-19 home test kit; Healgen Scientific Limitedโs CliniTest COVID-19 Antigen self test; SD Biosensor Healthcareโs ULTRA Covi-Catch SARS-CoV-2 home test; and Nulife Careโs AbCheck Rapid Antigen self-test.
