The coronavirus pandemic continues to be a massive issue in Australia, with new variants ensuring the medical community, governments and the general public are still being heavily impacted. Roughly 2 years into it, advice around testing, self-isolating, and even reporting cases is still evolving.
By now most Australians would have conducted a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to detect the virus. But the escalation of cases since the Omicron variant emerged in late 2021 has led to a rush on rapid antigen tests (RATs).
Read on for everything Australians need to know about rapid antigen home testing and how it compares to PCR.
Rapid antigen tests are a screening tool that helps detect COVID-19 in people without any symptoms (asymptomatic). The NSW government states these are quicker and easier than a standard PCR test but also less effective.
You can compare rapid antigen tests here. The test involves conducting a saliva sample or nasal swab and placing it into a chemical solution. They provide results within around 20 minutes and can be conducted at home, or anywhere else you choose.
Unlike a clinic test, you don't necessarily need to shove anything down your throat or up your nose if you opt for a saliva test. Here's a video demonstration of a saliva testing kit:
Here are the main differences between PCR tests (the type you receive at clinics) and rapid antigen tests (available for home testing).
Molecular or nucleic acid-based tests (also known as PCR tests) are the most accurate way to test for COVID-19 and are usually carried out by specialised laboratories.
Antigen tests are rapid COVID-19 tests that produce quick results when you test for COVID-19 at home, at a doctor's office, pharmacies or in workplace/academic settings.
Rules and availability in terms of COVID tests vary across the country. You can check out more information in the following guides:
Rapid antigen tests have been available to buy in Australia since 1 November 2021.
It's worth noting that all COVID-19 testing kits require Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval and inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to be legally supplied in Australia. Dozens of kits from different companies have been assessed by the TGA. Approved kits must meet the following criteria:
Costs can vary widely among RAT suppliers. They are often sold in multi-packs. 2-packs retail for around $20–$45, with 5 and 10-pack options also on the market.
"When purchasing wholesale for a business or doctors' clinic, it's around $8 to $15 per pack, but for individual purchase, the price is higher," explained Mimi Ho, clinical supervisor and policy advisor at Globalhealthworkz. "This is because each kit needs to be packaged in a separate box with detailed instructions, so the production costs are obviously higher."
The Australian Prime Minister has warned of stiff penalties and potential jail time for "price gouging" with tests. The tests have also been made free for those holding a pension concession card, Commonwealth seniors health care card or low-income health card, among others.
No. The chief benefit of rapid antigen testing is speed and simplicity. Unlike PCR testing, the RAT test doesn't need to be administered by a medical professional or sent to a lab. On the downside, they aren't as reliable. If you need to book a PCR test, we have information in this guide.
We're checking availability for RAT testing kits regularly but delivery times are subject to change. All tests sold in Australia must be approved by the TGA. Some sellers try and charge prices far above the average ("price gouging"). This isn't legal in Australia. Always consider your options carefully before buying.
To ease the pressure being felt by the healthcare system due to massive testing demands, the national cabinet has agreed to new measures around testing.
If you record a positive result on a rapid antigen test, you now no longer need to have a follow-up PCR test as was previously required. Those people are now encouraged to contact their GP for the next steps. The exact rules around a positive RAT result are varied among individual states and territories.
Truck drivers are no longer required to have rolling tests and testing is no longer required before interstate travel except for Tasmania and Western Australia.
It's also worth noting that RATs aren't accepted for travel into Australia. A negative PCR test is required within 3 days of inbound travel to Australia. You currently don't need to provide a negative PCR test at check-in to meet requirements when departing Australia.
Some countries and airlines do require a pre-departure test result before you will be allowed to board, so make sure to do the necessary research before any trip.
Yes. At the time of writing, if you record a positive test in Victoria, Tasmania or NSW, you need to register with your state health authority. It's expected that all states and territories will soon adopt this requirement.
Victoria is the first state to include rapid antigen test results in its daily reporting numbers, not just PCR tests. That led to a significant spike in reported numbers over the weekend.
The federal government also announced that as of 10 January, a positive rapid antigen test can also be used to claim the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
You should only buy COVID test kits from reputable Australian providers, especially when buying online. It's best to avoid overseas retailers as they may be selling products not approved by the TGA. You should also compare prices between different providers to ensure you're not paying too much.
You can learn more about local providers and their test kits at the links below:
Pick up a supply of saliva RATs online and arm your household or business with the essentials to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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If you're travelling internationally, here's where you can book a COVID test in Darwin and surrounding NT.
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Rapid antigen tests will soon be tax-deductible, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
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Need to buy a rapid COVID test kit? Find stock at these online stores where you can buy RATs in Australia, checked frequently.
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Avoid the price gouging of physical stores and buy TGA-approved rapid antigen tests online.
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Restock your supply of rapid antigen home testing kits online at any of these reliable stores and help to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Read more…Need more news? Check out COVID-19 information hub and guide to wearing masks in Australia.
You can purchase nasal RATs from these online storefronts in Australia.
Here’s where you can find TGA-approved Orawell RATs online.
Pick up a supply of saliva RATs online and arm your household or business with the essentials to stop the spread of COVID-19.
If you're travelling internationally, here's where you can book a COVID test in Darwin and surrounding NT.
Here’s where you can book a COVID test in Hobart and surrounding Tasmania.
Heres how stock levels and prices are holding up for RATs in Australia.
Restock your supply of rapid antigen home testing kits online at any of these reliable stores and help to stop the spread of COVID-19.
If you're a business looking to buy Rapid Antigen Tests or PCR tests for professional use, here's where you'll find them online.
Are the PCR tests available at Blue Powder the right solution to ensure a safe return to international travel? Check out our review.
Whether it's a RAT or PCR test we've rounded up clinics and retailers in SA.
