News Brief
Meril Receives ICMR Approval For Covid-19 Self-Test Kit CoviFind, Priced At Rs 250
- After approval for CoviSelf self-test kit, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) now approves Meril's CoviFind for self-use rapid antigen test kit for Covid-19.
Meril's CoviFind for self-use rapid antigen test kit for Covid-19.
The Gujarat based medical device manufacturer Meril has received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for its self-use rapid antigen test kit for Covid-19, named CoviFind.
This indigenously developed test can detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in infectious individuals and can thus be used to test symptomatic people, as well as immediate contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases.
The CoviFind delivers results quickly, in just 15 minutes, and there are no special storage or refrigeration requirements for the test.
The Rs 250 worth single pack test kit includes testing materials such as a test device, one sterile nasal swab and a pre-filled buffer tube with a cap.
The kit will also include an instruction manual that details step-by-step procedures for administering, handling and disposing of the test after use, as well as a disposable bag.
However, there will be additional purchase options, including a pack of 3, 5 and 25 tests.
Sanjeev Bhatt, senior vice-president, Corporate Strategy, Meril Diagnostics said: “By making reliable rapid antigen testing available to all through a convenient format, Meril’s CoviFind test kit will facilitate early detection, isolation, treatment and contact tracing”.
As per the reports, the test kits will be available in two weeks at retail pharmacies, e-pharmacies and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, with Meril trying to expedite the process.
The company has decided to run a dedicated website for direct orders of CoviFind by individuals and institutions.
Meril said it has also supplied a wide number of tests throughout its Covid-19 diagnostics offerings in India, including a multiplex RT-PCR test and Kavach antibody testing in collaboration with the ICMR.
Mylab Discovery Solutions, a Pune-based diagnostics firm, previously received ICMR approval for its CoviSelf self-test kit, which is also priced at Rs 250.
CoviSelf is designed as a mid-nasal swab test and can detect positive results in 15 minutes.
Each unit includes a testing kit, an instruction for use leaflet and a bag to safely dispose of the results of the testing, and it is also available on Flipkart.
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