KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities have been urged to issue a definitive list of reliable and accurate Rapid Test Kit-Antigen (RTK-Antigen) Covid-19 self-test kits and ban brands that produce false negatives.
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the news of rapid test kits showing false results were "disturbing" and called for quick action by the Medical Device Authority to reassure the public.
"Obviously, not all the many brands of rapid test kits that are available on the market are reliable.
"The authorities must come up with a definitive list of brands that are reliable and accurate, and must ban the brands that have been proven to produce false negatives," he said in a statement today.
Lee had questioned if all the rapid test kit brands were approved by the authorities, and if they were subjected to stringent tests before being granted certificates to be sold.
"A false negative would have many implications. Those infected would not know they have Covid-19 and therefore may not take the necessary treatment, with dire consequences.
"They may also unwittingly pass the virus on to their loved ones, their work colleagues, and anyone else in close proximity."
He cited a case where a woman allegedly tested negative several times by conducting self tests, despite showing some Covid-19 symptoms.
The woman, he added, visited a clinic for a RT-PCR test which then showed her to be positive for Covid-19.
"This is scary. It is anybody's guess how widespread this experience is," said Lee.
He also said many manufacturers were cashing in by offering a wide range of self test kits due to the increasing demand by the public, which in turn resulted in a "price war".
"But does this price war come with a price? Are manufacturers compromising on standards to produce cheaper kits?
"This is a disturbing thought in the minds of those keen on resuming their normal activities.
"The authorities must step in quickly to assuage a Covid-19-weary public and take the appropriate action," he added.