A recent study conducted by researchers at the Columbia University, USA shows that India’s first ICMR-approved self-test kit CoviSelf successfully detects the Omicron variant. Given the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, this adds more confidence to India’s ability to detect infections early and isolate fast with home test kits.

The research by the Center of Infection and Immunity of Columbia University of New York confirms that CoviSelf can detect the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant, commonly referred to as the Omicron variant, first reported from South Africa in November 2021.

According to the theoretical analysis of the N-protein sequence of the Omicron virus variant, all mutation sites were outside of the target region identified by Mylab CoviSelf COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self-test. This has now been confirmed by the study carried out by the Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University Medical Center, using cultured Omicron virus as the CoviSelf COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test was able to detect Omicron cultured virus.

“We were confident that CoviSelf detects the Omicron variant of the virus and this study from one of the world’s most reputed universities adds more confidence. CoviSelf self-test kit is poised to play a central role in fighting the third wave not only in India but worldwide”, said Dr Gautam Wankhede, Director of Medical Affairs at Mylab Discovery Solutions.