PETALING JAYA: Consumers should not hoard Covid-19 self-test kits to ensure there is enough for those who need them urgently, says the National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC).

       For instance, NCCC senior manager Baskaran Sithamparam said it is not practical for a family of three to buy 20 to 30 kits at one time.

       “It is more reasonable for such a family to buy six, so that each person has two,” he said.

       He said the centre had received feedback that several states were facing shortages of such kits.

       “However, the low supply mainly involves the cheaper kits, while those with higher prices are still in stock,” he told Sunday Star.

       Currently, self-test kits are priced between RM4.90 and RM19.90 per unit.

       Baskaran also said that the NCCC had received about 65 calls and emails from consumers so far this year on self-test kits, including queries about their accuracy.

       In one case, a user had Covid-19 symptoms and tested positive using a self-test, also known as a Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit or RTK.

       “However, when this person took a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, the results were negative,” Baskaran said.

       This caused confusion and questions over self-tests, as the PCR test is considered the gold standard when it comes to Covid-19 tests.

       “There’s also a possibility that consumers themselves did not perform the self-test properly.

       “For tests using nasal swabs, some failed to take a proper sample from the inner part of their nostrils, and only took a sample from the outer area,” he added.

       Baskaran said contamination of the sample could also cause readings to differ.

       “Always follow the instructions on the product. Avoid drinking coffee or taking medication before a self-test,” he added.

       Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Amrahi Buang said the public must also avoid doing self-tests unnecessarily to prevent future shortages.

       “There is no need for people to do the self-test daily.

       “If people are to be empowered to take care of themselves, they must understand when there’s a need to do the test,” he said, adding that they can always refer to a professional pharmacist for advice.

       For example, Amrahi said a patient need not take a self-test within 90 days after recovering because the results would show that he is still Covid-19 positive despite the person being well.

       “This is because the coronavirus would already be present in the body.

       “However, the virus in them is not harmful and will not spread to other people as it will be weak,” he said.

       Amrahi said asymptomatic close contacts should only take a self-test on day one and three after being exposed to the virus, according to the latest Health Ministry’s procedures.

       “Symptomatic close contacts only need to take a self-test on the fifth day of their quarantine,” he said.

       On the supply of self-tests, Amrahi said the situation had improved compared to two weeks ago and hoped it would continue to stabilise.

       On Tuesday, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry assured there was adequate supply of self-test kits, with 18 million units in the market.

       However, pharmacy chains and stores in the Klang Valley had said stocks are only expected to return to normal in a few weeks.

       On claims over dubious results, the Medical Device Authority (MDA) said it was aware of such issues and that many factors could affect the results of self-test kits.

       “The MDA is investigating and taking necessary action to overcome this issue,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

       The public can check the updated list of self-test kits given conditional approval by the MDA by logging on to https://portal.mda.gov.my/announcement/631-self-test-covid-19-test-kit-for-conditional-approval-approved.html.