KUCHING: With the transition to endemic phase, the fundamental policy when it comes to testing is the need to move away from the dependency on RT-PCR and move towards RTK-Ag self-test kits for fast detection and quick isolation.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii pointed out that this was especially crucial in dealing with the current Omicron wave and other future variants.
He said this in response to the recent statement by Tumpat MP Che Abdullah Mat Nawi, who said it was a waste of money for the public to keep using the RTK-Ag self-test kits when the results are not as accurate as RT-PCR tests.
“He (Che Abdullah) even went on to say that it was better for the government to stop advising the public to use it (RTK-Ag). He is not accurate in his understanding of epidemiology and infectious disease control, especially as we are heading towards endemic phase.
“While it is true that RT-PCR is more accurate, but the time it takes to get the results is much longer when the rule of the game is speed. It is also ultra-sensitive that it may be able to detect dead virus cells that are no longer able to reproduce.
“That is why RT-PCR now is only limited for overseas travellers and for necessary clinical settings,” Dr Yii said on Friday (March 11).
He stated that in endemic phase, the aim was to detect those that are infectious and to have quick intervention to minimise the spread, adding that the sensitivity of RTK-Ag that are approved by Medical Device Authority (MDA) under the Ministry of Health (MoH) was generally above 90 per cent.
He explained that one way to reduce the chances of false negative was for individuals to repeat the test on another self-test kit, especially if they are showing symptoms.
“It is also always safe to lean on the side of caution, to isolate oneself once there are symptoms, especially if they have regular contact with high-risk groups such as the elderly and young children that are unvaccinated.”
Dr Yii highlighted that there were indeed real concerns on the quality of RTK-Ag self-test kits in the market, thus constant monitoring and enforcement by authorities, including MDA, was needed to ensure the test kits available in the market are both sufficient.
“More importantly, the test kits available meet the required quality and sensitivity. This must be consistent and constant to ensure fake and sub-par products do not the flood the market.
“The government should also look at finding ways to reduce the prices of these RTK-Ag self-test kits and even target it to be lower than RM5 since it will be part of our new way of life, especially as we approach endemicity.”
