Antigen test begins in 10 districts

Dhaka (Dec 5, 2020): With an aim to accelerate testing process across the country, the government has started antigen-based test in 10 districts to diagnose novel coronavirus at free of cost.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque today inaugurated the antigen test campaign through a virtual programme today.

The districts are: Gaibandha, Panchagargh, Patuakhali, Joypurhat, Munshiganj, Meherpur Brahmanbaria, Jashore, Sylhet and Madaripur.

The antigen-based test is an easy process alternative to the RT-PCR test which detects the presence of the virus itself.

The National Technical Advisory Committee of the health services division of the health ministry gave approval to the antigen test kit on September 17 and following the approval, the government today kicked-off the antigen test to fight the pandemic of Covid-19.

the inaugural session, the health minister claimed the testing of sample is very important to control the spread of coronavirus and said the government will begin the antigen test at all districts in the country immediately.

“There is no laboratory facility for the RT PCR test in all districts as biosafety lab is needed for it and it is very expensive and time consuming issue,” Maleque said.

The antigen test will be conducted in the districts with having no the PCR lab, the health minister said.

While addressing a programme in Dhaka yesterday, the health minister said three types of tests are conducted for diagnosing coronavirus.

Claiming that these are PCR, antigen and rapid antibody tests, he said the government has no plan for now to conduct antibody test.

The initiatives were being taken to carry out antigen test alongside the PCR test only at government laboratories, he added.