Abbott Launches Home-Test Kit to Detect COVID-19 Symptoms, Priced at Rs 325 per Kit

Abbott Laboratories, an American medical device manufacturer on Monday announced the availability of its COVID-19 home testing kit for adults and children in India. 

The single test kit, which will cost Rs 325, will be used to screen the virus in children and adults who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. 

In a statement, the firm stated that it will supply millions of Panbio rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 to alleviate the pressure on India's healthcare infratructure which during the peak of the second wave of the pandemic was on the verge of collapse, in both urban and rural regions. 

These tests will be made accessible to ramp up testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, as well as contacts of confirmed coronavirus infections, in accordance with the existing ICMR guideline on self-use, it said. 

"By the end of July, we plan to deliver 7 million test kits in our first phase and have the capacity to bring millions of more test kits to support the country's needs. With an extensive global supply network and manufacturing capabilities, Abbott will also be able to scale up manufacturing as needed to meet the testing needs of India," Abbott said. 

Individuals testing themselves for COVID will serve as the first line of defence against disease transmission, according to former ICMR Director-General Nirmal Kumar Ganguly. 

Former ICMR Director-General Nirmal Kumar Ganguly has stated that access to quick, simple, and accurate testing can accelerate India's readiness to limit disease spread.

"Scaling access to easy, accurate, and fast testing can speed up the country's preparedness and curb community contagion," the former ICMR Director-General stated. 

While a single pack of the self-testing medical device costs Rs 325, a pack of four kits will cost Rs 1,250, a pack of ten willcosts Rs 2,800, and a box of twenty will costnRs 5,400.

In order to satisfy the testing requirements in India, the business will also expand up its production. The test kits would be available across India, in both urban and rural regions, via online and offline outlets. Abbott stated that the kit's goal is to reach more than 80% of India's population.  

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