Rapid antigen tests are different to rapid antibody self-tests, which can’t be sold for general use in Australia. They can provide clinical advice and treatment if needed. These tests are carried out by health professionals or trained people working under supervision. However, some schools and workplaces test regularly to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak and use rapid antigen point-of-care testing. The test you do at home is known as a rapid antigen self-test. What’s point-of-care testing, and antibody self-tests? To find a COVID-19 testing clinic or other health service near you, use the healthdirect Service Finder.
You can do the test at home and in your own time, and without a doctor. RATs are quick - returning a result within 10 to 20 minutes. They’re not as accurate if you don’t have symptoms and can produce either false negative or false positive results. RATs can sometimes detect COVID-19 before you develop symptoms.
Rapid antigen tests can detect whether proteins of the COVID-19 coronavirus are present in your body. Here’s what you need to know about ‘RATs’. However, they’re not as accurate as PCR tests.īoth types of test are designed to detect COVID-19 in your body, and involve a swab sample taken from your throat or nose, on nasal secretions (‘snot’), or sometimes on saliva. You can do the test yourself at home or anywhere you feel comfortable. The good news is they’re quick, convenient and can sometimes detect COVID-19 even before you have symptoms. Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are different. They’re waiting for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. State health department websites should say if you need to report a positive result.īy now, you’re probably used to images of people queuing outside a clinic for a COVID-19 test. You no longer need a PCR test to confirm a positive result from a rapid antigen test (RAT). COVID-19 testing rules have changed in most states and territories.
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