ICMR approves antibody tests in hotspots

Mumbai: The Indian Council of Medical Research granted interim approval on Thursday for the use of rapid antibody tests for Covid-19 in hotspots of the disease. The test reveals whether antibodies were released in response to infection by the coronavirus in individuals who may not have shown symptoms of the disease.

ICMR said in an interim advisory that antibody tests can be carried out in hotspots – zones suspected to have widespread prevalence of the disease. Those testing positive for antibodies will be made to do RT-PCR tests, which can reveal the presence of virus, and will be quarantined at home. Companies that have CE-IVD approved kits can use them after due approval from the Drug Controller General of India and an intimation to ICMR.

ET reported last week that Singapore’s Sensing Self and China’s Wondfo have cleared National Institute of Virology’s validation for rapid antibody test kits.