Pune-based OptraLABS has announced that it has received approval from ICMR towards its COVID-19 rapid test kits named ‘Optra-Shield’. Based on studies conducted at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune, ‘Optra-Shield' test kits showed 99% specificity & 95% sensitivity to detect immunity post-COVID-19 infection. These kits detect IgG antibodies which are developed a post-COVID-19 infection as a fighting mechanism of the body immune system. Once these antibodies are developed, the person becomes non-contagious and considered safe to intermingle with others.

Optra-Shield comes with a mobile-based self-assessment app and at-home rapid test kit (like a glucose testing or pregnancy testing type of simple device). It comes with a lancet (a finger pricker) to obtain a drop of blood on the strip which in few minutes shows your immunity levels against COVID-19.

Abhi Gholap, Founder and CEO, OptraLABS said, “These kits are particularly useful to test the effect of COVID-19 vaccine. We are not only manufacturing these in India but also made sure that our kits cost-effective. We are making Optra-Shield available at Rs 350 in India."

Dr Achal Pashine, a well-known scientist and Ex-Director, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, and Roche said, “This kit can be utilised by the governmental health agencies to monitor the administration and efficacy of their immunisation programme. This could be monitored by user-submitted data after the vaccine recipient uses the COVID-Shield test at home post-vaccination after a prescribed time.”