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."

0
43

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.
You may also like

5 Apps for Measuring Blood Oxygen Levels on Your Phone

In this difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic, taking care of your own and your family’s health is of utmost importance. To ensure you are properly monitoring your condition, here is a list of 5 applications you can use on your phone to help measure your blood oxygen levels.

4 Tips for Making Medical Declarations Online with Phones and Computers

With the COVID-19 epidemic posing a complex situation for all Vietnamese citizens, it is their responsibility to make a medical declaration. If you are unsure of how to do it, Dien May XANH is here to help with 4 methods to make a medical declaration online on your smart phone or computer.

Guidance for Air Travel in the Post-Covid World

Flying during the new normal period requires careful planning, with travelers needing to possess a green card from having received a vaccine, a negative test for COVID-19, a mask for protection, and proper disinfecting materials.

How to Identify Authentic and Fake Medical Masks

Are you worried about buying fake medical masks amid the increase of COVID-19 cases? Learn with Dien May XANH how to spot a real and fake mask and stay safe as you purchase one!

The Often Overlooked Kitchen Essential: Dish Towels

Many people would be surprised to learn that although not a particularly modern or versatile piece, what was kept has proven to be true in hindsight.