Contradictheory: What's with the different tests for Covid-19?


While experts still debate the efficacy of the different types of test kits available to detect Covid-19, Malaysia’s Health Ministry recently reversed itself and added the antibody test kit to its testing regime, to be used ‘under certain conditions’. — AFP

A few weeks ago, Malaysia's Health Ministry put out an infographic that showed the differences between the different ways of testing people for the Covid-19 virus. One is the RT-PCR test (or just PCR) that the government is currently using to test patients; the second is a Rapid Test Kit Antigen (RTK Antigen) test that is being considered; and the third is a Rapid Test Kit Antibody (RTK Antibody) test.

The infographic was wordy but the most prominent phrase was “the Rapid Test Kit Antibody CANNOT be used to detect Covid-19” (translated from Malay).

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Dzof Azmi , test kits , pandemic

Next In Living

Contradictheory: When everyone piles in
Transforming Spatial Experiences
Firewood's KL outpost is drawing in diners with its charcoal-grilled steaks
Grinding away: In remote Appalachia, old mills fuel US clean food dreams
Bronze Age Syrians were already cooking 'sophisticated' cuisine, study shows
Farming experts tout 'conscious' food systems to fix agriculture woes
Heart And Soul: A tribute�to my parents
In the US, some dog trainers help pets avoid venomous snakes
How narwhals grow their unique tusks, spiralled yet arrow-straight
Malaysian project gives gibbons a voice, opening students' eyes to their plight

Others Also Read