The recent call to introduce influenza self-test kits in Malaysia raises serious concerns about patient safety, test accuracy, and professional responsibility.
While it is important to make health care more accessible, it must never come at the expense of quality, safety, or clinical integrity.
Firstly, we urge the authorities and our pharmacist colleagues to clarify whether the test kits being promoted are approved by the Medical Device Authority (MDA). If they are not approved, then selling or advocating such products is highly irresponsible.
Are we, as health care professionals, prepared to endanger patient safety by distributing kits that are not approved by MDA? This would be a direct violation of professional ethics and a disservice to the very community we pledge to protect.
If the kits are MDA-approved, then further transparency is needed regarding their reliability and accuracy, particularly their false positive and false negative rates. Influenza symptoms always overlap significantly with other respiratory illnesses, and a misleading result may delay proper treatment or create unnecessary panic. How will the public be guided to interpret and act on such results safely?
Additionally, it is crucial to remember that a positive flu test does not exclude other medical conditions. Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia (lung infection), or even emerging viral illnesses can present similarly. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment, not just a test strip.
To the public, we sincerely advise: when you are unwell, consult your trusted doctor. Self-diagnosis and over-reliance on test kits or online searches may provide false reassurance or undue anxiety.
Your doctor is not just here to prescribe medicine, but also to listen, assess, and ensure you receive safe, accurate, and holistic care.
Let us uphold our shared responsibility, to protect lives, not to compromise them in the name of convenience or commerce.
This statement was issued by PMPASKL president Dr Eugene Chooi.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
