Asks states to stop using it
NEW DELHI: The Indian Council for Medical Research on Tuesday acknowledged wide variations in results of coornavirus tests done with rapid test kits and RT PCR methods and advised states to halt the use of newly-imported rapid antibody kits.
“We received complaints from three states and have decided to launch field studies for validation into the quality of rapid test kits. We have noticed wise variations in the results of RTPCR tests for COVID and results of rapid kits. We will convey our guidance to states in two days. Until then states are advised not to use rapid kits,” ICMR scientist Raman Gangakhedkar said.
He said if the kits are found faulty, replacement process would be initiated.
India last week imported 5 lakh rapid test kits from two Chinese firms.
Meanwhile, coronavirus cases reached 18,601 on Tuesday with 590 deaths and 3,252 recoveries.
Health ministry said 705 people had been cured between Monday and Tuesday—the highest single-day rise in cured cases. Additionally, there are now four previously affected districts that have not reported any case for 28 days, the ministry said in its evening briefing.
These are Mahe in Puducherry, Kodagu in Karnataka, Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand and Pratapgarh in Rajasthan.
Also, 61 districts nationally have not reported a new case for 14 days.
Meanwhile, Haryana’s Bhiwani had seen no new case for 14 day category, reported a new case on Tuesday.