Opportunities and challenges of COVID self-testing

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic paved way in the utilization of different screening methods that aims to mitigate the spread of the infection. One of these is the COVID-19 self-testing. The study’s aims were to review implementation of self-testing and guidelines for COVID-19 self-testing in different countries (N=14) and to give insights on its opportunities and challenges. Recommendations were also discussed to give solutions to the challenges identified. This study utilized literature review and focus group discussion to gather data while inductive thematic analysis was used to give meaning to the collected data. As a result, it has been identified that countries have their own means on how to regulate and authorize COVID-19 self-test kits. This includes performance and conformity tests as well as review of the packaging, labels and Instructions For Use (IFU). For the method of sampling, it has been identified that nasal swabbing is the most utilized way of collecting specimens, while for the setting of distribution, pharmacies and local health facilities are main sources of COVID-19 self-test kits. When it comes to the interpretation of the results, health authorities recommend that someone who is positive should do confirmatory tests, consult a doctor and do self-isolation, while someone who is negative is encouraged to still follow health protocols and do serial testing. Reporting results to health authorities is a main practice to most of the countries studied. COVID-19 self-testing provides an immediate way to screen SARS-CoV-2. However, the possibility for human error, inaccuracy of the test, economic disincentive, and the presence of unauthorized self-test kits are the main challenges of this test. Recommendations were also discussed in this study to improve and strengthen policies concerning COVID-19 self-testing. This includes adopting certain best practices from other countries and improvement of existing protocols regarding COVID-19 self-testing.