How to Order a Covid Antigen Test Kit
Along with the arrival of an Omicron outbreak in Beijing, there's also a bit of good news: China's health commission just approved rapid antigen testing kits to be made available to the public.
If you’re thinking of using one of those home testing kits that were just approved for use in China, it'll probably take some time. According to a piece in the Global Times, several chain store pharmacies said they had entered into agreements with Wondfo Biotech Co., a Guangzhou-based Covid test maker, to distribute antigen test products. But it will need a few days to arrive at physical stores.
If you'd rather not wait, though, you can preorder the testing kits via an app called JD Health (京东健康 jīngdōng jiànkāng), which will arrive at your doorstep in batches of 20 each.
Step 1: Make an online reservation on JD Health
Step 2: Once you've opened the app, search 新冠抗原自测 xīnguān kàngyuán zì cè.
Step 3: It should take you to the page which tells you that you can preorder your kit. It costs about RMB 490 each, but it should be of note that it'll be about 20 days before it arrives.
Step 4: Then, fill out your name and address and you're all set.
Here are some things to know about the antigen kits:
If I test negative, can I travel?A
The National Health Commission said the self-testing kit aims to help people detect Covid symptoms early. But it is still unclear whether or not these self-test results can be used as proof for you to travel. In other words, testing with these kits hasn't yet replaced test results from nucleic acid tests for travel.Q
What should I do if I test positive?A
Whether or not you have any respiratory symptoms, fever or other symptoms, you should immediately let your community know and have them contact emergency services to transfer you to a medical institution with a fever clinic. Once you arrive, you'll be required to get another Covid test to confirm your results.Q
Can the kit detect Delta and Omicron strains?A
Yes. It can.Q
Why do I need to wait for about 15 minutes for the test results?A
It is important to wait for 15 minutes because an insufficient time will likely lead to a false negative result. However, you don't need to wait for longer than 15 minutes, because an increased wait time will also lead to a higher chance of a false positive result.
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Images: Global Times, The Beijingers
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