Pune: Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) on Wednesday (July 22) has given its commercial approval for the first indigenously developed antigen testing kit named 'Pathocatch Covid-19' from Mylab Discovery Solutions. The kit has been priced at around Rs 450 and will be available on order. The company had also developed the first indigenous RT-PCR (Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test kit, used to detect the coronavirus.

My Lab, a diagnostic company based in Pune, has received permission from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to manufacture antigen test kits. It is the first indigenous lab to be allowed to manufacture antigen testing kits.

Mylab has previously received permission for a testing kit that tests RTPCR of swabs collections.

Speaking to Sakal Times, Hasmukh Rawal, Managing Director, Mylab, said, "The government has decided to maximize RTPC and antigen tests during the coronavirus period. The purpose is to reach a maximum number of people, so that we can curb the spread of the virus and break the chain. If the antigen test is negative, the patient can be tested for RTPC. This testing kit is going to cost a little less and will be around Rs 450, which is affordable."

Sujit Jain, Director of Mylab said, "While COVID-19 vaccine gets developed, aggressive testing is an important tool that we have. Mylab is committed to providing high-quality indigenous solutions for testing, which we believe has been possible because we had support from our investors and the government agencies such as BIRAC and TDB to name a few, With all this support, we hope to keep up in this fight."

Importance of rapid testing -

•  RT-PCR and antigen-based tests both are required for containing the coronavirus
• If anyone is found positive in the antigen test, then he need not undergo RT-PCR test
•  If anyone tests negative in the antigen test, then he may undergo RT-PCR testing
• Early steps can be taken for quarantining and isolating COVID-positive patients
• Time and money can be saved