Tips

Should You Buy COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Online? Are the Results Accurate?

"With the surge in COVID-19 cases, there has been a proliferation of rapid test kits being advertised and sold online, leaving many people confused and skeptical. Should you trust these online purchases? Are the results accurate? Let's delve into this pressing matter and explore whether buying COVID-19 rapid test kits online is a reliable option or a risky gamble."

Administrator

14 July, 2024

With the complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are anxious when they come across individuals at risk of infection but are reluctant to visit healthcare facilities. As a result, some have resorted to purchasing rapid COVID-19 test kits advertised online to self-test. So, how accurate are these rapid tests? Read on to find out more.

1Should You Purchase Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits Online?

According to Prof. Dr. Tran Dac Phu, former Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, all rapid test kits for SARS-CoV-2 seeking to enter Vietnam must be evaluated and approved by the Council for Assessment, Department of Equipment and Construction under the Ministry of Health before they can be circulated.

Vietnam has stipulated that even rapid tests must be used in laboratories and must ensure biological safety. Rapid test kits for SARS-CoV-2 sold indiscriminately online may be counterfeit and yield inaccurate results.

Thus, refrain from purchasing rapid COVID-19 test kits online without guidance from the Ministry of Health to avoid wasting money.

Rapid COVID-19 test kits sold online may be counterfeit.

16 Rapid Antigen Test Kits for SARS-CoV-2 Approved by the Ministry of Health

STT	Test Type (Product Name)	Origin	Sample Type
1	Trueline COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test	Medicon Co., Ltd. – Vietnam	Oropharyngeal fluid
2	Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
3	Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
4	Humasis COVID-19 Ag Test	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
5	SGTi-flex COVID-19 Ag	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
6	Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
7	BioCredit COVID-19 Ag (Product Code: G61RHA20)	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
8	GenBody COVID-19 Ag	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
9	Asan Easy Test COVID-19 Ag	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
10	SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test	South Korea	Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal fluid
11	COVID-19 Ag	South Korea	Oropharyngeal fluid
12	Flowflex SARSCoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test	South Korea	Oropharyngeal or nasal fluid
13	Biosynex COVID-19 Ag BSS	France	Oropharyngeal or nasal fluid
14	V Trust COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test	Taiwan	Oropharyngeal fluid
15	Espline SARS-CoV-2	Japan	Nasopharyngeal fluid
16	CareStart COVID-19 Antigen	USA	Oropharyngeal fluid

2Are the Results of Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits Sold Online Accurate?

According to assessments by various experts, the rapid COVID-19 tests currently available in the market only have an approximate sensitivity of 25%. Due to their lack of accuracy, negative results may cause individuals to let their guard down, increasing their interactions and movements.

On the other hand, a false negative result can be extremely dangerous, posing a risk of community spread.

Note:
The Ministry of Health has not authorized self-testing at home. If you are experiencing symptoms or have suspicions, please visit a medical facility to undergo rapid testing or a PCR test.

Inaccurate results can affect the psychology of the people and lead to community spread.

The Ministry of Health is currently implementing a vaccine passport to help restore community life to normal. Individuals can self-register for vaccination through the app or website. Therefore, everyone must be conscious of following the state’s directives and await their turn to get vaccinated, contributing to the normalization of community life.

For more information, please refer to COVID-19 Vaccination Portal and McVaccine. We wish you good health.

Sources: Tuoi Tre Newspaper, Ministry of Health

Frequently asked questions

Buying COVID-19 rapid test kits online can be convenient and offer a quick way to test for the virus from the comfort of your home. However, it is important to ensure that the kits you purchase are authorized by the relevant health authorities and that you follow the instructions carefully to obtain accurate results.

The accuracy of COVID-19 rapid tests can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the test kit, the timing of the test, and the correct administration of the test. While these tests can provide a quick indication of whether you may be infected, it is always recommended to confirm the results with a PCR test, especially if you are experiencing symptoms or have had a high-risk exposure.

COVID-19 rapid test kits offer several advantages, including convenience, speed, and privacy. They can be easily administered at home, provide results within minutes, and allow individuals to take proactive measures to protect themselves and others if they test positive.

While rapid tests are useful for initial screening, they may not be as sensitive as PCR tests and can sometimes produce false negative or false positive results. It is important to interpret the results carefully and consider retesting or seeking additional medical advice if symptoms persist or exposure risk is high.

Always purchase rapid test kits from reputable sources that are authorized by health authorities. Check for approval labels, review instructions carefully, and ensure that the kit includes all necessary components for proper testing and disposal.