A COVID-19 antigen test kit. [Photo/WeChat ID: hefeigaoxinfabu]

China has approved the use of COVID-19 antigen test kits for self-testing, and a growing number of locally produced antigen kits are now available for use at home.

The test kits are simple to use for those in need, and the results are available in about 15 minutes.

Several Hefei-based companies whose COVID-19 antigen kits have been selling abroad have applied for approval to sell their antigen products in the domestic market, according to local media sources.

Biouhan, Deep Blue and Biox-Vision, which are located in the Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone, are among the companies.

Wang Li, vice-general manager of Biouhan, said Biouhan's direct orders of the antigen test products to the United States alone have reached 250 million. According to Wang, Biouhan's workshop covers an area of 25,000 square meters and has 200 fully automatic production lines, with a production capacity of about 15 million antigen test products per day.

According to Deep Blue, the company has completed the registration of their antigen products in 30 countries and institutions around the world, and their products have been exported to more than 50 countries, with the number of sold products exceeding 230 million.

China is projected to lead COVID-19 antigen self-testing, according to the China Securities Journal, with industry-leading inspection results as well as robust manufacturing and supply capacity as the market expands wider.