COVID 19 Kit for Omicron Variant Testing: How Does it Work?

Since it was first reported in 2019, the COVID 19 pandemic has claimed millions of lives and impacted millions more. The availability of vaccines now offers hope for protecting millions more from infection. However, the discovery of new COVID variants is quite unsettling. In order to quickly cope with the latest Omicron variant, it is essential to have testing kits that deliver quick and reliable results.

COVIFIND from Meril - COVID testing kit 

COVIFIND from Meril is an antigen rapid DIY test kit that allows you to test for COVID-19 infection from your home with the comfort and safety.

This easy-to-use kit comes with a main test device, disposal bag, instruction manual, pre-filled buffer tube, and sterile nasal swab. This antigen test kit delivers results in as little as 15 minutes.

You can use COVIFIND as an omicron self-testing kit too. It does detect omicron as well as other variants of COVID 19.

COVIFIND is ICMR approved, and the results are easily delivered through an app. 

This COVID 19 and Omicron test kit has come at a time when cases of this new variant are on the rise. Certain other COVID-19 variants like as Omicron testing facilities sometimes take over 3 to 4 days for results.  The availability of test results in minutes will truly make a huge difference in being able to successfully diagnose, track, and offer treatment.

What is the Omicron variant?

The Omicron variant is the latest coronavirus mutation that emerged in 2021. This variant leads to the usual COVID-19 symptoms of cough, headaches, and fatigue. There is much concern about the fact that the Omicron can possibly spread faster and more transmissible (e.g., more easily spread from person to person) compared to other COVID-19 variants. However, more data is needed to properly understand the efficacy of current vaccines against the Omicron variant. 

Innovation in COVID testing

The rapidly rising COVID 19 cases around the world made it necessary to have innovation in COVID testing. As a result, we now have antibody and antigen tests that deliver results in a matter of minutes. These tests are available as DIY kits that can be used for quick testing at home, so you do not need to visit a hospital or clinic in these trying times.

An antigen test shows whether a person is currently infected with COVID 19 or not. It detects the presence of COVID-19 antigens which trigger the production of antibodies in the patient.

An antibody test shows if your body has antibodies made by the immune system to fight COVID 19 infection. The presence of antibodies can indicate that you were either infected in the past or got vaccinated recently.

Conclusion

Even though a large number of people have been vaccinated, it is important to still take precaution. As we can see, there are newer variants of COVID 19 that are being discovered. Continue to wear a mask, sanitize your hands, and maintain social distancing. Stay aware of all the latest developments and report any symptoms to your doctor. You can even opt to test for COVID-19 variants safely at home with approved DIY kits. Together, we can fight the pandemic and keep infection rates low for a better tomorrow.

FAQs

• Is COVID-19 variant Omicron worse than the Delta variant?

Studies show that the Omicron variant is not worse than the Delta variant which did claim many lives around the world.

• Why is the COVID-19 variant Omicron concerning?

The Omicron variant was first noticed in South Africa. This variant has concerned the medical community due to its ability to spread fast. There is also concern that the Omicron variant might be able to overcome immunity and infect a person.

• What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

The most commonly reported symptoms of the Omicron variant include cough, fatigue, fever, and headaches. Some patients even experience a congestion just like a common cold.

• Is the COVID-19 antigen test accurate?

Yes, the test results are accurate provided that you follow the instructions given carefully.