The Centre on Saturday asked States and Union Territories to put on hold the use of Covid-19 rapid antibody test kits till their accuracy is rechecked by apex health research body, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
According to the sources, teams constituted by ICMR are analysing the rapid antibody test kits, procured from two Chinese firms, to check their efficacy after some States reported that they are faulty and giving inaccurate results.
An official said, “After a meeting the Union Health Ministry held with States on Friday, they were asked to halt the use of Covid-19 rapid antibody test kits for the time being till their accuracy is validated by the ICMR.”
“Moreover, WHO has also not commented on its accuracy. ICMR is reviewing the efficacy of the test and the kits in its own labs and shall come out with fresh guidelines soon,” said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday.