How to Correctly Use A COVID-19 Self-Test Kit

As Malaysia continues to battle the pandemic, COVID-19 test kits have become one of the essential items to have.

As of August 2021, our Ministry of Health, together with the Medical Device Authority (MDA) of Malaysia, has approved 11 Covid-19 self-test kits to be sold and used in Malaysia. 

All the MOH-approved COVID test kits are RTK Antigen Rapid Test Kits. These are able to provide results within just 15-20 minutes on average. 

Click here to find out more about each COVID-19 self-test kit and where to buy them

There are currently two different COVID-19 self-test kits on the market in Malaysia. These are categorised by the sample that is needed for diagnosis. Here’s how to properly use them both: 

Using saliva samples:

Step 1: Open the seal of the reagent container

Step 2: Connect the funnel to the reagent container

Step 3: Spit into the container until about a quarter full

Step 4: Remove the funnel and seal the container with the cap

Step 5: Squeeze and shake the container (about 20 times) to ensure the sample is well-mixed

Note: In some COVID-19 self-test kits, the reagent container and the sample container are separate. In this case, after you have collected your saliva, you need to pour in the reagent before mixing. 

Step 6: Wait for about five minutes, then drop four drops of the saliva into the test kit. Read the results after 15 minutes.

A single line (C region) means a negative result while double lines mean a positive result. If there are no lines or if there is only one line in the T region, then the result is invalid. 

Using nasal swab samples

Step 1: Take out the extraction tube and carefully place it in the tube holder

Step 2: Peel back the seal on the tube. Be careful not to spill the liquid inside

Step 3: Remove the swab and gently swab the inside of our mouth at three different locations (left cheek, right cheek, palette) about five times each

Step 4: Place the swab in the extraction tube. Take out the second swab

Step 5: Gently insert the swab into your nostril until you feel a slight resistance. This should be about 2cm up your nose. Roll the swab around about five times and repeat with the other nostril

Step 6: Place the second swab into the extraction tube

Step 7: Immerse and mix the swab heads in the extraction tube at least 10 times

Step 8: Cover the tube with the dripper head and mix thoroughly

Step 9: Add two drops of the sample to the test cassette and wait for approximately 15 minutes

Before doing the test

Before you start using your COVID-19 self-test kit, make sure that you do not eat, drink or smoke at least 30 minutes before your test. 

Apart from that, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly and that the area is clean.

Only used for screening