COVID-19 rapid antibody test kit use put on hold, ICMR to check accuracy: Official source

States and Union Territories have been asked to put on hold the use of COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits till their accuracy is rechecked by apex health research body the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), official sources said on Saturday.

According to the sources, teams constituted by ICMR are analysing the rapid antibody test kits, procured from two Chinese firms, to check their efficacy after some states reported that they are faulty and giving inaccurate results.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said the results of the test kits vary from place to place and "it can't be relied upon".

"Moreover, WHO has also not commented on its accuracy. ICMR is reviewing the efficacy of the test and the kits in its own labs and shall come out with fresh guidelines soon," he was quoted as saying in a health ministry statement on Friday.

An official said, "After a meeting the Union health ministry held with states on Friday, they were asked to halt the use of COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits for the time being till their accuracy is validated by the ICMR."