Antibody-based test kits cannot be used to diagnose Covid-19, says Health DG


PETALING JAYA: The Antibody Rapid Test Kit (RTK) for Covid-19 or serological tests that use blood samples from a finger prick cannot be used to diagnose the disease, says the Health Ministry.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic) said this is because the presence of antibodies are unable to validate active infections while negative results are no guarantee that the individual tested is not infected with the disease.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Sabah rep seeks answers over ongoing stateless children begging in Kota Kinabalu
SUPP denies 1MDB link to 2013 donation, says matter settled by courts
Perlis PAS Youth chief claims he was invited to sign SD against ex-Perlis MB
Umno Youth to convene on Jan 3 to weigh severing ties with Pakatan, says Akmal
Perak govt doubles funding for Pawsitive Initiative to tackle stray animal issues
Warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain in six states until 7pm
Authorities to investigate dolphin stranding in Karambunai after viral videos
Kuala Perlis rep Abu Bakar Hamzah sworn in as new Perlis MB
Jalan Bukit Bintang to close for ‘I Lite U’ Festival dry run on Jan 1
Sabah must move beyond politics with elections over, says Masidi

Others Also Read