Blog

Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19

There’s been a lot of talk recently about Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19 and how these will become an increasingly important tool for people to use as cases of COVID-19 rise in Western Australia. In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at how these test work and when you should use them.

What are Rapid Antigen Tests?

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are a way to determine if you are infected with COVID-19, by testing whether you have viral proteins of COVID-19 present in your body.

Unlike Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Tests – which can detect genetic material from the virus and are conducted by trained health professionals, with results produced by a lab – RATs are designed for people to use at home. They work by testing your saliva or nasal swab, with a result available in around 15 minutes.

Rapid antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests and only give positives when a patient has a high viral load in the range where they are both infectious and symptomatic. RATs can detect COVID-19 during the ‘acute’ phase of infection, which is generally just before you show symptoms and in the week after symptoms first appear.

For this reason, PCR tests are still considered more accurate than RATs; however, RATs do have the benefit of being more convenient and can give you a result in a much shorter time frame. They can also be helpful in determining whether you are ok to go to out and about, attend large gatherings or enter areas with vulnerable people, such as aged care and health facilities.

If you do test positive to COVID-19 using a RAT, however, you may still be required to confirm your result with a PCR test.

How accurate are they?

While RATs were previously banned in Western Australia over accuracy concerns, the State Government has subsequently removed the ban and they have been legal since 10 January 2022.

RATs are not as reliable as PCR tests; however, those approved for use in Australia still must have an accuracy rate of at least 80 per cent.

There are currently 22 RATs approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The list of these is available here>>

Each of these has a minimum clinical sensitivity of at least 80 percent, which means the likelihood of the test correctly identifying those who DO have the condition. They also have a minimum clinical specificity of at least 98 percent. This means how likely it is that the test will correctly identify those who DO NOT have the condition.

When using a RAT, it’s important to follow the instructions very carefully to ensure you get the most accurate result.

If you receive a positive RAT test, you should consider that you do have COVID-19. You will need to isolate at home and advise your local health authority of your result, so they can advise you of what you need to do next. You may also be required to get a follow up PCR test to confirm the result.

When should I use a RAT?

Rapid Antigen Tests are handy to use when you:

  • have COVID-19 symptoms but can’t access a PCR testing clinic;
  • are about to visit an aged-care facility, health care facility or go to a large gathering and want to quickly check if you are likely to have COVID-19;
  • need to have regular testing as part of your school or workplace attendance requirements; or
  • are required to by the WA Health Department.

Where can I get rapid antigen tests from?

Given the previous ban on RATs in Western Australia, there is currently a shortage of supply. However, RATs will be increasingly available from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets and stock is delivered. It’s best to phone your pharmacy ahead of your visit to check if they have supplies available.

While PCR tests are free throughout Australia, you will need to pay for RAT tests and prices can vary in range between different suppliers.

From 24 January, the Australian Government has made RATs free to access for those who hold an eligible Commonwealth concession card, including:

  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
  • Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold, While or Orange Card
  • Health Care Card
  • Low Income Health Card
  • Pensioner Concession Card

Eligible concession card holders will be able to access up to 10 RATs from community pharmacies over a 3-month period, with a maximum of 5 RATS in any one month.

For more details on this program, visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/rapid-antigen-testing-concessional-access-program

Vaccination still the best defence

Of course, the best way to protect yourself, your family and the wider community from slot gacor the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for everyone aged 5 years and over, with boosters available for those aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least 4 months ago.

Illawarra Medical Centre is an approved provider of COVID-19 vaccines. Bookings for our COVID-19 vaccination clinics can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you have any concerns or questions about COVID-19 vaccinations that you wish to discuss, please book a separate appointment with your GP prior to your vaccination appointment.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on this topic, visit: