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Highlights
- Rapid antigen tests are relatively easier to use and less time consuming than PCR tests.
- 15 different rapid antigen testing kits have been allowed for use by The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia
- The National Cabinet of Australia agreed to provide free Rapid Antigen Tests to people holding authorised cards.
COVID-19 infection is diagnosed using two types of tests: molecular test (also known as PCR test) and antigen test. Each test works differently which affects the test's speed and accuracy.
PCR test is the gold standard for diagnosing SARS–CoV–2. Even the tiniest quantity of coronavirus genetic material in a sample can be detected using PCR. However, running a PCR test requires skilled laboratory technicians and equipment. A person's findings can take anywhere from 12 hours to five days to receive results due to the time consumed in sample collection, transportation, amplification, detection, and reporting.
On the other hand, antigen tests use lab-made antibodies to search for antigens from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Antigen tests have several strengths. Antigen tests are comparatively simpler to use that ordinary people can perform them and interpret results even at home. They also give quick results (15-20 minutes). However, antigen tests are not as reliable as PCR tests and cannot be fully trusted. These tests are accurate when a person has a lot of viruses in their system and has chances to miss early symptoms of COVID-19.
Do read: Should Rapid antigen tests be free for all in Australia?
Status of Rapid Antigen Tests in Australia
Image source: © Anuraksir | Megapixl.com
In Australia, people are increasingly employing rapid antigen tests as COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country and testing wait times balloon. Many Australians have found it impossible to get RATs due to price gouging and significant stock shortages. Authorities are urging them to avoid long lines for PCR testing unless essential.
Till now, 15 different rapid antigen testing kits have been allowed by The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia for use for COVID-19 testing. Almost all the tests require 15-20 minutes to show results. However, different tests have different levels of clinical sensitivity which is measured as PPA (Positive percent agreement). PPA is the proportion of individuals that produced positive test results using a COVID-19 rapid antigen self-test, in comparison with a positive result obtained using a PCR test.
Among the 15 kits approved by the TGA, the following kits have been given a “very high sensitivity” label:
- All Test SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test (Nasal Swab) (ICOV-502H) Self-Test - Nasal swab
- LYHER Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Antigen Test Kit (Colloidal Gold) Self-Test - Nasal swab
- OnSite COVID-19 Ag Self-Test - Nasal swab
- Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test - Nasal swab
- Rapid SARS-COV-2 Antigen Test Card Self-test - Nasal swab
- V-Chek COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test - Saliva
What is Rapid Antigen Testing? All you should know about it
In a meeting held by the National Cabinet, it was decided that 10 free of cost Rapid Antigen Tests would be provided (over a period of three months) through pharmacies to people holding the following cards: Pension Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card, Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card.
Also read: Fed up with long queues? Go for COVID-19 self-test kits
