CoviFind, Meril Diagnostics’ self-use Rapid Antigen Test Kit for Covid-19, got a nod from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
In a statement, the global medical device company said, “This indigenously researched and developed test kit can reliably identify the SARS-CoV-2 virus in infectious humans and therefore can be used for testing symptomatic individuals and immediate contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases as mentioned by the recent ICMR guidelines.”
“The CoviFind test for at-home self-testing is highly effective in people with mid to high viral load, especially in spotting infection in the case of individuals more likely to transmit the disease to others,” the statement added.
The test kit also provides result swiftly, delivering them within 15 minutes, it stated.
There’s no requirement of storing the test kit in the refrigerator, which makes the distribution easy and convenient.
CoviFind will be made available as a single-pack with additional purchase options, including a pack of 3, 5 and 25 tests. Each kit is well-equipped with a dedicated test device, one sterile nasal swab and a pre-filled buffer tube with a cap.
The self-use kit also contains an Instructions Use (IFU) leaflet that indicates the administration procedure step-by-step, handling and post-use disposal of the test kit, along with a disposal bag. Hence an individual doesn’t necessarily purchase any extra instruments.
The kit is to be used alongside Meril’s official home testing mobile application, CoviFind App that will be made available for download from the Google Play Store and iStore once the product comes in the market.
CoviFind is expected to be available in two weeks at retail pharmacies, e-pharmacies, and through eCommerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart for Rs 250.
The company has decided to run a dedicated website for direct orders of the kit by individuals and institutions.
