Drug admin allows antibody tests for research, experimental use
Antibody test kits will not be used to detect the coronavirus
The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) has approved antibody tests for research and experimental use.
On June 24, it gave permission to import these test kits.
However, antibody test kits will not be used to detect the coronavirus. They will be used to determine if the body has produced antibodies against the virus.
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The DGDA's guideline on rapid test kit states that the kits will be used for sero surveillance and convoluted plasma therapy and research. To prevent misuse, the kits can be used in the laboratory only.
"This is not a diagnostic kit. This kit will be used only for detecting antibody, not in acute stage," will have to be written on the packet of these kits.
The sensitivity of the IGG/IGM of the kit should be 90 percent and the specificity should be 95 percent.
Ayub Hossain, a spokesman for the drug administration, told The Business Standard that a policy on June 24 allowed rapid tests. Those who follow the policy will be allowed to import kits.
