Reduce reliance on RT-PCR tests, RTK-Ag still more effective: Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR – Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin advised the people to reduce dependence on RT-PCR Covid-19 screening and instead use rapid test kits during the nation’s transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19.

In a two-minute video posted on Twitter today, he said the RTK-Ag test is more effective in tackling the Omicron wave, as it gives results in just 15 minutes.

“This compares with RT-PCR which is so sensitive that people who recovered still tested positive on RT-PCR. As the Omicron variant is currently spreading rapidly, RTK is more effective as there is no need to wait 24 to 48 hours to know whether one is positive or not.

“The earlier we get results, the faster we can isolate ourselves if found positive. It is better to have 1,000 people tested with RTK-Ag than 10 people with RT-PCR even though RT-PCR is more sensitive,” he said.

He said RTK-Ag tests are also cheaper than RT-PCR tests, and are readily available on the market.

Khairy said those testing positive with RTK-Ag tests should immediately undergo quarantine and need not seek confirmation tests through RT-PCR screening.

He also said the Health Ministry through the Medical Device Authority had been directed to continue monitoring the quality of Covid-19 self-test kits in the market and take action on products which do not meet the required standards. – Bernama, March 14, 2022