Faced with virus resurge, Seoul may introduce self-diagnosis kits

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Thursday it would consult with experts to introduce Covid-19 home-test kits amid the pressing need to expand tests to prepare for another viral wave.

KDCA Deputy Commissioner Kwon Jun-wook says that government would consider introducing self-diagnosis kits in a news conference on Thursday.

The health authorities have been refraining from using self-diagnosis kits because of their low accuracy but will consider using them as new virus cases continued to increase, KDCA officials said. The number of newly confirmed patients stayed above 500 for the second consecutive day on Thursday as health officials began vaccinating people aged 75 or older.

KDCA Deputy Commissioner Kwon Jun-wook said that the nation now has to prioritize simplicity and accessibility over accuracy and precision, stressing that the government would seek ways to tighten infection control with all means available.

Kwon noted that the government had not approved any home test kits yet, but some Korean companies have obtained permission in other countries.

However, Kwon made it clear that even if the government authorizes self-diagnosis kits, it would do so as only supplementary tools and continue with existing PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing as a primary way for diagnosis.

“The most important part is to find confirmed patients hidden in society early by conducting extensive and preemptive tests through PCR,” Kwon said. “PCR testing is the gold standard for diagnosing Covid-19 patients and the most reliable tool.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. state of North Carolina will reportedly begin an experiment by taking and testing samples at home over the next four weeks, according to media reports.