Indian Council of Medical Research said that the National Task Force has reviewed the data evolving from various countries on use of Rapid Antibody Test kits and based on available evidence, the testing strategy for COVID-19 has been revised.

ICMR has issued the advisory mentioning the protocol for using Rapid Antibody Test kits in COVID-19 hotspot areas in view of the states showing keen interest to use these kits in the affected areas.

It was advised by the ICMR that in case any state does not have a hot spot, these tests may be used for any hotspot which may emerge in future or as a surveillance tool for epidemiological purposes in such areas where cases have not emerged so far.

AIR Correspondent reports, ICMR has said that the Rapid Antibody Tests are useful for epidemiological studies and surveillance purposes and the test has to be done under strict medical supervision.

It suggested that while using the rapid antibody test kits, it is critical to understand that frontline test for COVID-19 diagnosis is Real Time PCR based molecular test, which is aimed at early detection of the virus. The Rapid Antibody Test cannot replace the frontline test.

It also said, the Rapid Antibody Test is a supplementary tool to assess the prevalence of the diseases within a specific area and the test will only be of utility after a minimum of seven days of onset of symptoms.