Four types of antigen-rapid tests to be made available at designated pharmacies from Jun 16

Four types of antigen-rapid self test kits will be made available through designated local retail pharmacies from Jun 16. 

In a press release on Thursday (Jun 10), the Health Science Authority said that it has granted interim authorisation for four COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ARTs) self-test kits.

The ARTs that have received the interim authorisation are Abbott PanBioTM COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test, Quidel QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal and SD Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Home Test.

This comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that DIY kits which are “simple to use and not so uncomfortable” will be made available at pharmacies soon in a nationwide address on May 31. 

The test kits, which will be made available at more retail locations progressively, can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. Results are made available in less than 20 minutes and these tests are considered to be quite accurate. 

Each consumer will be allowed to buy only 10 self-test kits initially to ensure adequate supplies for everyone. When more supplies are available for retail sales, authorities will allow more kits to be freely purchased. 

Educational materials advising on the proper use of ARTs when self-testing and steps to take after self-testing will be made available by the Ministry of Health through media channels Jun 16 onwards. 

All self-test kits also come with instructions for use (IFU) leaflets. Consumers are strongly advised to follow the instructions closely while self-administering the tests to ensure valid results. 

If users get a positive test result, they should follow MOH’s guidelines on the next steps to take. For those who test negative, they should remain vigilant and follow safe management measures.