We try six different COVID-19 rapid test kits in Malaysia

Besides COVID-19 vaccinations, one of the key measures to manage the pandemic is to conducted regular screening and testing. The COVID-19 Rapid self-test kits or also known as Rapid Antigen Kits are widely sold in Malaysia and you can get one for less than RM5.00.

Unlike the RT-PCR test which is intrusive and costs about RM200, the rapid test kits are affordable and you can get results within 30 minutes. However, rapid test kits are typically used for screening as it detects positive cases during the most infectious period. The RT-PCR test is still the gold standard and it is still the best method to confirm whether you’re infected with COVID-19.

To find out which is easier and practical to use, we try out six different rapid test kits that are sold at different price points. Not all of them are the same as some require a sample from your nose or saliva or both. Some kits provide you the option to choose whether to take a nasal or saliva sample.

We compared the following test kits and they are priced as follows:

• Salixium Saliva + Nasal Swab Test (RM7-9)
• Gmate Saliva Test (RM14-17)
• All Test Oral Fluid Test (RM4.90-RM7)
• Beright Oral Fluid Test (RM6-7)
• Lyher Nasal or Oral Fluid Test (RM5-6)
• Diacegene Nasal swab Test (RM6-8)

Watch our video above to find out how they work and what we think about them.

These test kits are widely sold in retail pharmacies as well as online stores on Lazada. The government has also increased the availability of the kits to include supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations. With greater accessibility, the prices of the kits have gone down way below the ceiling price of RM19.90.

As of 17th December, Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA) has approved a total of 95 COVID-19 self-test kits. There’s even a lollipop-type test kit where you just need to blow into it, which is more practical for children. You can find the latest list of approved test kits here.

Most of the test kits have a similar cartridge where you can drop your mixed sample in a designated area and you can read the results within 15 minutes. If you get a single line for the “C marker”, that means you’re negative and you’re positive for COVID-19 if you get two lines for both C and T. Even if your result is negative but you’re still experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, you must seek medical treatment immediately and take an RT-PCR test for confirmation.

Among the 6 test kits, Salixium and Lyher come with an app for you to save your COVID-19 test result. Salixium is also providing an extra option where you can request an official RTK-Antigen certificate for your MySejatera account. To get the cert, it will cost RM5 and you have to make an appointment with Tele-Salixium.

If you’re travelling overseas, do note that most governments or airlines would require an RT-PCR result, and the RTK-Antigen certificate is not accepted. It is best to check the latest travel guidelines before you make your travel arrangements.

Regardless of whether you’re positive or negative, you are urged to report it in the MySejahtera app. Just go to the home page and tap on COVID-19 Self-Test. Your submission will help to give a more accurate picture of the positivity rate for COVID-19 testing in Malaysia.