FDA OKs 2 brands of self-test COVID-19 antigen kits

A Covid-19 Lateral Flow (LFT) self-test kit, containing a SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test, supplied by Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), is arranged for a photograph in Brenchley, south east England, on December 14, 2021. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of two brands of self-administered COVID-19 antigen test kits, an official announced Monday.

FDA officer-in-charge Oscar Gutierrez said approved for use are the Panbio COVID-19 antigen self-test of Abbot and the SARS-COV-2 antigen rapid test of Labnovation technologies, Inc.

Eleven manufacturers of self-administered COVID-19 test kits have applied for the approval of their products before the FDA.

Approved brands means they passed the standards of the FDA and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Gutierrez reminded the public to only purchase FDA-certified self-test kits and buy from FDA-licensed drug outlets.

The public should check the expiration date of the products and demand official receipts from stores.

They should also read carefully and follow instructions to avoid possible wrong results.

/MUF