False: Rapid COVID-19 antigen test kit is available in Indian medical shops.

The rapid antigen test kits are allowed only to be sold in government-approved outlets and not in all medical shops. The rapid antigen test allows faster diagnosis without laboratory examination of samples, and results are available within thirty minutes. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has carried an evaluation of sixteen antibodies (IgM, IgG)-based rapid test kits and approved thirteen to conduct the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) test. The quick antigen test allows faster diagnosis without laboratory examination of samples, and results are available within thirty minutes. A positive analysis shows exposure to SARS-CoV-2, while a negative test does not rule out the infection. ICMR stated that it is not a confirmatory test. According to the guidance issued by ICMR stated that it could do the tests on blood/serum/plasma samples, the results of which are available within 30 minutes, and the test comes positive after 7-10 days of infection. However, these tests have been validated only in the laboratories. In order to make testing widely available, the ICMR has approved the sale of rapid test kits by certain certified laboratories. The rapid antigen test kits are available only through select outlets approved by the ICMR. These test kits are not allowed to be sold in the open market in every medical shop in India. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.