FAQ
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.
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.
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.
Anybody who feels like they have been exposed to the virus and/or are experiencing symptoms can use the Covifind test.
We are available in pharmacy stores and various online platforms.
According to ICMR, Covifind is authorized for a non-prescription home test.
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
Covifind will give you your results in 15 minutes.
or refer to the IFU.
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.
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.
A single use kit costs Rs 250/-
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.
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.
For positive results, If both the Control line “C” and the Test line “T” appear, the result is Positive.
For negative results, If there is only control line “C” and no test line “T” visible, the result is negative.
If the control line “C” is not visible, the result will be Invalid regardless of whether test line “T” is visible.
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
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.
We need to take swab from 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.
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.
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.
The liquid (lysis buffer) in the tube is a virus inactivating solution which reduces the chance of contamination to the environment.
All contents of the kit should be put into the provided disposal bag and can be disposed in household waste.
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.
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.
Yes, this will ensure accuracy of the test. Make sure all tests reagents are at room temperature before use.
If you are experiencing congestion in your nostrils, you must first decongest your nostrils by removing the mucous/congestion.
You need to insert the nasal swab up to 2-4 cm or until resistance is met.
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.
Do not use the kit beyond the expiry date. It may not give accurate results after expiry date.
No, we cannot reuse the swab.
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.
No. Please check the contents of the kit before performing the test.
What happens if the test results come positive after 20 minutes? Any results appearing after 20 minutes are considered invalid.
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.
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.
Yes. As per ICMR guidelines, you can take the test if you have been in contact with laboratory confirmed positive cases.
If you have more questions,
contact us on:
Toll Free No: 1800-266-3745
Email: covifind@merillife.com
