With Malaysia set to enter an endemic stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials believe that Malaysians need to work collectively to manage the risks of the virus with the help of innovative tools. To that end, we should always—and I mean it—always get ourselves tested. Because even if you have completed up to four vaccine jabs, the chances of your getting infected with COVID-19 still levitates.
With reports of overcrowding at on-site screening centres, not to mention vaccination locations and other hotspots, many Malaysians are still concerned about the heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 when they leave their homes. So the safest way to monitor your health regularly would be doing the RTK test at home. RTK, or better known as self-test kits, are getting more accessible now, and the results would be up to 90% accurate.
So in short, RTK tests are convenient for those of you who want to check the progress of your health. You don’t have to drive all the way up to the swab location and have to wait up to an hour for your turn. But how to find the most trustable RTK self kits around you? Glitz by Beauty Insider breaks down all the information you need before purchasing one.
What’s The Difference Between RT-PCR and Antigen (RTK-Ag) Testing?
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Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (PCR)
PCR Test, or Polymerase Chain Reaction Test, is a method to find out the infection of COVID-19 inside your body by conducting a DNA examination or test. Of course, this method is usually conducted by medical experts, doctors and has to be recognised and approved by the Ministry of Health. However, the problem is that most experts believe that the process is a bit complex that could take up a longer time and the costs are higher. If you need a rapid result, this method is not for you because the upshot is lengthier.
Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag)
As opposed to Antigen Rapid Test Kit or RTK, this method is quicker and usually takes up not more than 15 minutes for you to see the results yourself. Most RTK test kits that are available at the pharmacy store near you, will be packed in two different swab tests—either nasal swab or using your saliva. You can choose according to your comfort. This method will quickly detect the viral proteins that are highly likely to be chained to coronavirus. If you need a then there result, get this one.
Where To Get RTK Test?
Find The Nearest Clinics Or Hospitals
There are three ways you could get an RTK test. First choice, you could either drop off at any nearest clinics or hospitals that distribute or execute COVID-19 tests by medical specialist. Of course, the cost is likely cheaper than PCR. But do bear in mind that there will be hidden additional costs as the process will be conducted by the medicals.
In-Home RTK Test
If you’re still paranoid about being exposed around the hospitals or clinics, you can request for the medical experts to come over at your house and do the test there. Anywhere that you’re comfortable at. Of course, there will be hidden additional costs according to the distance. This method is suitable for eldery person who have highly chances to be content with bacterias and viruses outside.
Purchase RTK-Test At The Pharmacy
Last but not least, you can simply purchase a handy RTK test at the nearest pharmacy store near you. Pharmacies like Watsons, Guardian and Caring have made RTK test kits available on their store shelf and website. You can choose which kit or brand that is suitable and easy to use, as per your option. The price would be lesser than the two alternatives above because you will be swabbing yourself at home. Don’t worry though, it is not as hard as you thought. The manual will be attached inside the box. Just simply follow the instructions and you’re good!
1. Gmate Covid-19 Saliva Home Kit
Price: RM 17.90
Where to get: Watsons
2. SALIXIUM Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Home Test Kit
Price: RM 9.90
Where to get: Watsons
3. JUSCHEK COVID-19 ANTIGEN RAPID TEST KIT (RTK)
Price: RM 16.00
Where to get: Caring
5. BERIGHT COVID-19 ANTIGEN RAPID TEST KIT (RTK)
Price: RM 6.60
Where to get: Caring
Checkout The CLEA App
CLEA is the first application in South East Asia that enables Virtual Covid-19 Screening (VCS), allowing anyone to perform verified self-screening tests anytime, anywhere. Equipped with a special IT team and clinical partners worked meticulously to curate a human-centric, user-friendly interface that suits all levels of society. In addition to authenticity, the CLEA platform is also an affordable method of screening as it does not require users to schedule in-person consultations. By saving users and medical personnel from having unnecessary physical contact, CLEA reduces the risk of infection while reducing the time taken for a successful COVID-19 screening.
Through an in-app recording feature, users can submit their test to CLEA’s medical partners – licensed, experienced doctors equipped with a verification panel that virtually verifies the user’s identity and results within 24 hours. Test authenticity is guaranteed through unique TAC codes and results can be viewed and downloaded at any time. Once certified, users will be issued certificates which can be used as entry passes to any premises that require screening test reports.
Checkout their official website to learn more about CLEA App.
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