COVID-19: China approves five antigen kits for self-testing

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, China had a stringent testing regime. Medical workers in many cities have swabbed hundreds of thousands of noses and throats within days just a handful of cases emerged, using nucleic acid tests that require labs to process samples. But with the Omicron variant resulting in many asymptomatic cases and burdening the testing regime, China has approved 5 antigen kits for self-testing. In this Pacific Prime China article, we’ll tell you more. 

Why has China approved antigen test kits?

Like many other places in the world, the Omicron variant is spreading quickly in China. Many areas have reported scattered cases or infection clusters, which has significantly increased the demand for nucleic acid testing. Typically, nucleic acid testing relies on a pooled sampling approach – mixing 5 or 10 samples in one group to speed up testing. Now, 20 cases are being pooled to meet the rise in demand. 

As such, China has approved antigen test kits for self-testing. These test kits allow people to test themselves at home and are a quicker, cheaper, and more convenient method of testing. In fact, many other countries have also adopted antigen testing as part of their COVID-19 control and prevention strategies including the United States, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and European countries. 

Further reading: 6 ways to ease anxiety around Omicron wave

What is the role of antigen test kits?

While nucleic acid testing is still the gold standard for COVID-19 testing in China, antigen testing can be a valuable supplement in the testing regime. This is because the former is more accurate – for example, if the positive rate detected by nucleic acid testing is 100%, then the positive rate for antigen testing will be 70%. As such, the result of an antigen test kit can’t be used to prove one’s health when seeing a doctor or entering public areas in China. 

So, when should you be using antigen test kits? Here are some possible scenarios where antigen testing is appropriate:

• Those who are facing long queues and wait times for nucleic acid tests given by medical institutions. 
• Those who need to be tested for COVID-19 but live in distant areas where it’s not as easy to get nucleic acid tests.
• Those who have symptoms like headache or fever and are worried about a potential COVID-19 infection.
• Those who are in their quarantine and observation period, and need to be tested daily to supplement nucleic acid testing.

Note: If one tests positive via an antigen test, with or without symptoms, it’s necessary to report the results to the community and go to a designated medical institution for nucleic acid testing. 

Which antigen test kits have been approved?

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved antigen test kits for self-testing made by the following companies:

• Beijing Huaketai Biotechnology 
• Nanjing Vazyme Biotech
• Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech
• Beijing Jinwofu Bioengineering Technology
• Shenzhen Huada Yinyuan Pharmaceutical Technology 

Get a health insurance plan via Pacific Prime China!

The COVID-19 pandemic has served to remind us that health and wellbeing are of utmost importance. So put your health first with a comprehensive health insurance plan from Pacific Prime China. This way, you’ll be able to access the best healthcare providers and specialists the country has to offer – all without having to worry about paying spiraling hospital bills out of pocket. 

Operating out of our Beijing and Shanghai office, we take the time to understand your healthcare and lifestyle needs, and then provide a tailored plan comparison according to your budget. Rest assured, we’ll explain the ins and outs of the recommended policies to empower you to make a decision. Our support and assistance also won’t end there as we’ll provide heaps of support throughout your insurance journey. 

Whether you’re an individual or family, contact us for the best health insurance for foreigners in China today!

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime China solely represents, operates and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, is for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.