Finder checks stock levels of all online suppliers daily so you can quickly buy a rapid antigen test (RAT).
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Free shipping over $100We'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.
We check stock levels daily.
After nationwide shortages in January and February, RAT stock levels have thankfully begun to stabilise. It is now far less difficult to purchase a RAT online and in-store.
To give you a sense of how dire matters used to be, here's a graph showing the average stock levels for RATs from the beginning of 2022. We also have a graph reflecting the average pricing of RATs during the same period.
The average cost of one rapid antigen test was the highest in , costing per test. The state that spent the least was , where they paid per test.
Confused about how to administer the test? We've got you covered. Here's a generic step-by-step guide from NSW Health. Remember steps vary from brand to brand.
A rapid antigen test is a screening tool used to detect COVID-19. You can take the test at home without the need for lab equipment or a health professional. Instead, place a saliva sample or nasal swab into a chemical solution. Results usually take less than 10 minutes.
Rapid antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR tests, with a higher chance of a false negative. However, it is generally unnecessary to confirm a RAT result with a PCR result.
COVID-19 testing kits require Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval and inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before being sold legally in Australia. Stock is limited, so grab yourself a kit when they are available.
Pricing for RATs varies. You can expect to pay between $20 and $30 per pack, which typically contains 5 rapid antigen tests. It's possible to get the price down to under $3 per test if you buy multiple packs in a single purchase. This is a sensible option if you live in a large household or need to test yourself regularly due to travel.
RAT suppliers with the cheapest prices include Medmate and COVID Solutions Australia. If you prefer to buy from traditional retailers, Chemist Warehouse consistently has discounted RATs available.
There are currently 2 types of rapid antigen tests available in Australia: oral and nasal testing.
Nasal tests involve inserting a nasal swab into your nose. You then twirl it around for a few seconds allowing the soft bristles to collect a sample of the cells and fluids present to be analysed. The nasal swab needs to be inserted quite far to collect a good specimen for an accurate test result. Some people find nasal RATs extremely uncomfortable. But it's all over in a few seconds.
Pictured: TGA-listed and verified rapid antigen testing kits from Rapid Proof. Image: Supplied
Oral or saliva tests are much less invasive and can be performed in 2 different ways depending on the provider. Some tests will require you to spit into a tube, while others instruct you to suck on the bristled end of a swab just like the ones you'd find in a nasal testing kit.
Both tests detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Both tests are deemed to be equally effective at detecting the virus. And a range of both types of tests has been TGA-approved.
However, which test you want to carry out is completely up to you. You can see how both RAT types fare in our in-depth test.
Multiple providers sell rapid antigen home testing kits in Australia, many of which we have listed above. You can also buy kits from major supermarket chains, pharmacies, online retailers or directly from the provider.
When buying online, make sure that the product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). This is a legal requirement for any kit sold in Australia. So long as you're making sure the provider's service matches your budget, requirements and turnaround time, you can't go too far wrong.
Keep an eye on the Trustpilot reviews for any unknown providers, and don't be afraid to speak to their customer service if you're unsure about anything. Always check the refunds policy too. Government guidelines are continuously changing, so it's worth making sure you can get your money back if you need to.
Yes. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) applies a clinical sensitivity rating to rapid antigen tests based on performance testing. To be sold in Australia, the test must receive one of the following ratings:
Needless to say, a test with very high sensitivity is technically superior to a test with acceptable sensitivity. You can see the clinical sensitivity rating of all approved rapid antigen tests on the TGA website. We have also ranked popular RATs by sensitivity in this table.
Some countries and airlines require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight. You can check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to at the SmartTraveller website.
There are a variety of ways you can access free rapid antigen tests depending on where in Australia you live. The following is a brief rundown of the major ways individuals in each state and territory can access free RATs.
Isolation is no longer a requirement following a positive COVID result. However, the practice is strongly recommended by health authorities.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must not visit high-risk settings such as aged and disability care facilities for 7 days and until you have no symptoms of COVID-19.
Need more COVID-19 help? Head to our overview of all your testing options and guide to wearing masks in Australia.
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Parents can now take the hassle out of rapid antigen testing with a range of non-intrusive, child-friendly oral RAT kits.
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Which of the 2 major forms of rapid antigen test is more simple and comfortable to use?
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Pick up a supply of saliva RATs online and arm your household or business with the essentials to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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.
