Free Provision at Public Health Center Screening Clinics
Available for Purchase at Pharmacies and Online Shopping Malls
9.6 Million Units to Be Supplied Sequentially During Seol Holiday
Results Confirmed in 15 Minutes... Positive If Both Test Line (T) and Control Line (C) Show Two Lines
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] As COVID-19 diagnostic testing for the general public shifts to rapid antigen tests, demand for self-test kits is increasing. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has decided to supply an additional 9.6 million self-test kits available for individual purchase and has started providing accurate usage instructions.
According to the MFDS on the 30th, self-test kits have been available for free at 256 public health center screening clinics since the 29th, and can also be purchased at pharmacies and online shopping malls. During the Lunar New Year holiday, 3.4 million kits and 6.2 million kits will be sequentially supplied to online shopping malls and pharmacies, respectively. Including the 6.86 million kits supplied to screening clinics, a total of 16.46 million kits will be supplied during the holiday period.
The usage of self-test kits consists of four steps: preparation before testing, specimen collection, testing, and result confirmation.
In the 'preparation before testing' step, clean hands are essential. Before using the self-test kit, use hand sanitizer or wash hands thoroughly and dry them. Disposable gloves may be worn if necessary. Depending on the product, the specimen extraction tube can be inserted into the packaging box, so refer to this when opening the kit to check the expiration date and product condition. It is especially important to maintain sufficient distance from others and conduct the test in a well-ventilated area when using the self-test kit.
In the 'specimen collection' step, start by taking out the specimen extraction tube and removing its cap, then insert it into the box or plastic holder. Next, open the swab and insert it about 1.5 to 2 cm deep into each nostril, rubbing the nasal wall in a circular motion 10 times with the same swab. Be careful not to touch the cotton tip of the swab with your hands.
Results can be checked after 15 minutes... If positive, get PCR at screening clinic
In the 'testing' step, place the swab taken from the nostril into the specimen extraction tube and stir it more than 10 times. Then, squeeze the swab against the inside of the tube while removing it. Depending on the product, the swab may need to be broken off and left inside the tube. After that, close the tube cap (some products require shaking after closing) and apply 3 to 4 drops onto the test device by pressing the specimen extraction tube.
The final 'result confirmation' can be done about 15 minutes later. If only one line appears at the control line (C), the result is negative. Conversely, if two lines appear at the test line (T) and control line (C), the result is positive. If the control line (C) does not appear regardless of the test line (T), the test was invalid and must be redone with a new kit.
The MFDS explained, "If the self-test kit result is positive, you must visit a screening clinic to receive a PCR test. The used test kit should be sealed in the bag provided with the product and brought to the public health center screening clinic for disposal."
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