1. What is Antigen Testing?
Antigen tests detect proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that form during the infection cycle and indicate that a person has an active infection. Rapid antigen tests offer several important benefits. They are highly portable, scalable, easy-to-use and provide a flexible approach to helping more people in more places get access to reliable testing in a cost effective way.

2. When should I take an antigen test?
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 which include fever, shortness of breath, cough, loss of taste, you should take an antigen test. Also, if you have been in contact with laboratory confirmed positive cases, you should take the test.

3. What are the benefit of this test?
The results from the Covifind COVID-19 Antigen Self Test along with any medical history can help your healthcare provider make informed recommendations about your care. The results of this test may help limit the spread of COVID-19 to your family and others in your community if you take the necessary precautions.

4. Who can use Covifind?
Anybody who feels like they have been exposed to the virus and/or are experiencing symptoms can use the Covifind test.

5. Where can I get Covifind?
We are available in pharmacy stores and various online platforms.

  

6. Do I need a doctor’s prescription to buy this?
According to ICMR, Covifind is authorized for a non-prescription home test.

7. What all is included in the Covifind pack?
The Covifind Antigen test kit contains everything needed to perform a single COVID-19 test. The test kit includes:
- One pre-filled buffer Tube with cap
- One Sterile Nasal Swab
- One test device
- One Disposal bag
- Instruction for user manual

8. How long do the test results take?
Covifind will give you your results in 15 minutes.

9. How do I use the kit?
You can check out our very simple how-to video here https://youtu.be/dA_A0cZ__4M or refer to the IFU.

10. What does a positive result mean?
A positive test result for COVID-19 indicates that RNA from SARS-CoV-2 was detected, and therefore the patient is infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious. The next steps should include isolation & consulting a medical professional.

11. What does a negative result mean?
A negative test result for this test means that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not present in the specimen above the limit of detection. But,a negative result does not rule out COVID-19 entirely and should not be used as the sole basis for result; if symptoms persist, contact a medical professional.

12. How much do the Covifind kits cost?
A single use kit costs Rs 250/-

13. What is the intended use of Covifind COVID-19 Antigen self test?
The Covifind COVID-19 Antigen Test is a self-test kit to detect the protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 in direct nasal swab samples. Home testing is advised by ICMR in symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of laboratory confirmed positive cases. For latest guidelines, please refer to ICMR website.

14. Is the test authorized for home use?
Yes, you can take this test at home.This test is authorised & intended for non-prescription home use as self-test with the self-collected nasal specimens from individuals aged 18 years or older & with adult collected nasal specimens from individuals aged 2 years or older.

15. How do you know when the result is positive?
For positive results, If both the Control line “C” and the Test line “T” appear, the result is Positive.

16. How will I know if my result is negative?
For negative results, If there is only control line “C” and no test line “T” visible, the result is negative.

17. How do you know when the result is invalid?
If the control line “C” is not visible, the result will be Invalid regardless of whether test line “T” is visible.

18. I tested positive. What should I do next?
Positive result confirms the presence of COVID-19 viral antigens. All test positive individuals should follow home isolation and care as per the ICMR & Ministry of Health & Family Welfare protocol available here: https://www.icmr.gov.in/chomecare.php

19. What are the known and possible hazards of the test?
There is no potential hazard or side effects associated with the test, however there might be possible discomfort during sample collection. Also, there might be a possible case when that a result may be wrongly interpreted, Therefore use the CoviFind App or IFU for better clarity.

20. Do we need to take swab from nose or throat?
We need to take swab from nose.

21. Will this test hurt me in the nose?
No, the nasal swab is specially designed for easy and comfortable swabbing. Sometimes the swab can feel slightly uncomfortable or tickly, however, if you feel pain, please stop the test and seek advice from healthcare provider.

22. What is the difference between an antigen and molecular test?
Molecular test (also known as RT-PCR tests) detects the genetic material of the virus. Antigen tests detect the proteins from the virus. With an antigen test, a positive result is highly accurate, but negative result does not rule out an infection.

23. What are the preparations before the test?
The following are the preparations to be done before the test: Wash your hands. Make sure they are dry before starting the test. Remove the test components from the box and place them on a flat surface. Open the COVIFIND App and fill in the credentials (*All the fields are mandatory as per ICMR guidelines) Remove the test device from the pouch. Peel the Aluminium foil from the pre-filled buffer tube. Push the buffer tube on to the perforated circle.

24. Is the liquid (know as extraction lysis buffer)in the pre-filled extraction tube safe?
The liquid (lysis buffer) in the tube is a virus inactivating solution which reduces the chance of contamination to the environment.

25. How should I discard contents of the kit after the test result?
All contents of the kit should be put into the provided disposal bag and can be disposed in household waste.

26. Is it important to download the app before the test?
Yes. Before starting the test, please download Covifind App on Google Play or App Store. It is important to fill in your credentials and proceed with the test as per the guidelines of ICMR.

27. What are the precautions for kit storage?
The kit should be stores between the 2°c to 30°c In case the desiccant pouch has changed from blue to light pink or colourless then the device should not be used.

28. Is it necessary to maintain room temperature for all the test reagents in the kit?
Yes, this will ensure accuracy of the test. Make sure all tests reagents are at room temperature before use.

29. What if you experience congestion in either of the nostrils, can you still perform the test?
If you are experiencing congestion in your nostrils, you must first decongest your nostrils by removing the mucous/congestion.

30. How far back must you insert the nasal swab in your nostrils?
You need to insert the nasal swab up to 2-4 cm or until resistance is met.

31. Can we discard the test components in a regular bin?
You must first put the components of the test in the disposal bag before you dispose it bin. Do not discard open components in bin.

32. Can we use the test tube after the expiry date?
Do not use the kit beyond the expiry date. It may not give accurate results after expiry date.

33. Can you reuse the swab?
No, we cannot reuse the swab.

33. What will happen if I touch the cotton tip?
It is important you do not touch the cotton tip as it will lead to contamination and improper results. If you accidently touch it, please discard the kit and use a new one.

34. Can we use a damaged kit?
No. Please check the contents of the kit before performing the test.

35. Can the test line form after 20 minutes?
What happens if the test results come positive after 20 minutes? Any results appearing after 20 minutes are considered invalid.

36. If my antigen test comes out to be negative, does it mean that I am immune against the COVID 19 infection?
No. It does not mean you are immune against the Covid-19 infection. If you have symptoms as per ICMR and MoHFW guidelines you must go for a Lab test.

37. What are the benefits of reporting the results to ICMR?
The purpose of reporting the results to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will help them derive critical data on how many people have taken the antigen test, the result of the test, the impact and spread of the virus, the precautionary measures to be adopted for control of the virus.

38. Should I undertake an antigen test if any of my family members have tested positive?
Yes. As per ICMR guidelines, you can take the test if you have been in contact with laboratory confirmed positive cases.

39. Did we answer everything?
If you have more questions,
contact us on:
Toll Free No: 1800-266-3745
Email: covifind@merillife.com