What is a rapid antigen test? How is it different from other COVID-19 tests?
3 years, 7 months ago

What is a rapid antigen test? How is it different from other COVID-19 tests?

ABC  

When Year 12 students in Greater Sydney get back to the classroom, they'll likely be doing it with the help of rapid antigen testing to monitor for COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests are a method for detecting COVID-19 that work by reacting to proteins on the surface of the virus called antigens. But while rapid antigen tests are becoming increasingly common in places like the UK, they're also less reliable. Rapid antigen tests still won't be widely rolled out in Australia, and if you develop a sniffle or cough, it's likely you'll still receive a PCR test. Gladys Berejiklian's government is speaking to suppliers about sourcing rapid antigen tests.

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History of this topic

Testing for the flu can help you get faster treatment. But why is it so hard to get a rapid antigen test for influenza?
2 years, 9 months ago

Testing for the flu can help you get faster treatment. But why is it so hard to get a rapid antigen test for influenza?

ABC  

Flu cases are surging around Australia. "There hasn't been the demand, I mean, rapid antigen testing has been around as a technology for other pathogens," Dr Short says. "For example, HIV has rapid antigen tests and that's been used widely." At the moment rapid antigen tests for the flu are expensive and not as widely available as COVID tests. "Most …

How accurate are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, and when is the best time to use them?
2 years, 11 months ago

How accurate are COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, and when is the best time to use them?

ABC  

Rapid antigen tests, better known as RATs, have become an important tool in Australia's arsenal against COVID-19. "If people are symptomatic, they often have more virus present in their nose or mouth … and so rapid tests perform better," said infectious diseases physician and microbiologist Paul Griffin. "We've seen lots of rapid antigen tests be positive in recent times for …

Rapid antigen tests compulsory for people presenting to WA hospitals, as COVID outbreak grows
3 years, 1 month ago

Rapid antigen tests compulsory for people presenting to WA hospitals, as COVID outbreak grows

ABC  

Rapid antigen test screening is being introduced in hospitals across Perth and the South West today, as the state records 26 new local cases of COVID-19. Key points: Rapid Antigen Tests will be conducted outside hospitals before patients are allowed in Rapid Antigen Tests will be conducted outside hospitals before patients are allowed in The tests will be used at …

Why rapid COVID tests aren't more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them
3 years, 2 months ago

Why rapid COVID tests aren't more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them

NPR  

Why rapid COVID tests aren't more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them Enlarge this image toggle caption Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images How much should you trust the results of a rapid antigen test? Sponsor Message That finding prompted the Food and Drug Administration to update its online guidance in late December to …

Pharmacy Guild to launch website to find rapid antigen tests after 'market failure'
3 years, 2 months ago

Pharmacy Guild to launch website to find rapid antigen tests after 'market failure'

ABC  

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has plans to launch its own website to help people find stores stocked with rapid antigen tests after witnessing "market failure" and the competition watchdog's crackdown on price gouging. Key points: The peak body representing pharmacies will set up a website dedicated to RAT availability An importer says Australia's approach to RATs lags behind other …

As COVID-19 surges, parents are worried about sending their partially-vaccinated children back to classrooms
3 years, 2 months ago

As COVID-19 surges, parents are worried about sending their partially-vaccinated children back to classrooms

ABC  

Parents say a lack of clarity around South Australia's 2022 school year is leaving them feeling nervous as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state. Key points: As the vaccine roll-out for children hits road bumps, some parents are worried about sending kids back to school Mother Megan Newman says her son is at particular risk due to his asthma …

Queenslanders wanting COVID-19 test to 'do the right thing' or return to work left frustrated and confused
3 years, 2 months ago

Queenslanders wanting COVID-19 test to 'do the right thing' or return to work left frustrated and confused

ABC  

Queensland's COVID-19 testing clinics are so overwhelmed, many people are being turned away without getting swabbed, while others are going to extreme lengths to get tested to protect family members, satisfy work and childcare requirements, or to have elective surgery. Key points: You should get a rapid antigen test if you need to leave home quarantine or have been around …

COVID rapid antigen tests can return false negatives, but experts say they're accurate when it counts the most
3 years, 2 months ago

COVID rapid antigen tests can return false negatives, but experts say they're accurate when it counts the most

ABC  

When Sydney man Andrew Colagiuri developed COVID-19 symptoms, he was too sick to line up for a standard swab, known as a PCR test. Key points: Rapid antigen tests are more likely to return false negatives than PCR tests But experts say they are useful for identifying when a person is at their most infectious There are calls for a …

Can I get my COVID-19 booster sooner? How can I have a COVID-19 safe Christmas? Here are some of your common questions answered
3 years, 3 months ago

Can I get my COVID-19 booster sooner? How can I have a COVID-19 safe Christmas? Here are some of your common questions answered

ABC  

Every month the ABC receives thousands of questions about COVID-19 from our readers, and this month has been no exception with changes to interstate borders, rising case numbers, and the Christmas season approaching. COVID-19 PCR tests involve swabs being put up your nose and down your throat – and they're what most governments will need if you plan to travel …

South Australia records 484 new cases of COVID-19, with seven people in hospital
3 years, 3 months ago

South Australia records 484 new cases of COVID-19, with seven people in hospital

ABC  

South Australia has recorded 484 new cases of COVID-19, with seven hospitalisations. "We've got millions of rapid antigen test kits here in South Australia ready for the rollout, he said. Mr Marshall said rapid antigen tests were not an alternative to the standard PCR tests. Mr Marshall said rapid antigen tests could be used for people without symptoms who want …

When is it OK to take a rapid antigen test for COVID rather than lining up for a PCR swab?
3 years, 3 months ago

When is it OK to take a rapid antigen test for COVID rather than lining up for a PCR swab?

ABC  

With Christmas nearly here and COVID-19 case numbers rising, it's important to keep getting tested when you have symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, or are going to a high-risk environment. Because the test can amplify tiny amounts of viral genetic material, it's considered the gold standard and can detect infection in earlier stages than other tests like rapid …

Rapid antigen tests for COVID are being used at Christmas lunches across Australia. Should they be free?
3 years, 3 months ago

Rapid antigen tests for COVID are being used at Christmas lunches across Australia. Should they be free?

ABC  

As COVID-19 cases rise across Australia, health authorities have made it clear they expect the Omicron variant to overtake Delta. But unlike the many millions of PCR tests that people have been able to access free in Australia throughout the pandemic, rapid antigen tests cost upwards of $10 each. As cases of COVID have increased with the loosening of restrictions, …

Rapid antigen tests are ‘not perfect’ but they could help protect those vulnerable to COVID, like baby Austin
3 years, 4 months ago

Rapid antigen tests are ‘not perfect’ but they could help protect those vulnerable to COVID, like baby Austin

ABC  

For baby Austin, catching COVID would be dire. Ms Messemaker said they were seeking advice from Austin's specialists about how they should use rapid antigen tests, but she said the cost would also factor in. Dr Anderson said if people were planning to use rapid antigen tests, using them regularly like the Krins family would be most effective. Focus should …

COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to be available in Coles, Woolworths from November
3 years, 4 months ago

COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to be available in Coles, Woolworths from November

ABC  

Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths will start stocking rapid antigen COVID-19 tests from early November. "Rapid antigen testing is helping protect our distribution centre team members across Australia from COVID-19," a Woolworths spokesperson said. TGA head John Skerritt said there would be no constraints on where rapid antigen tests could be sold, including online and at petrol stations. Home tests …

How and when to use rapid COVID tests.
55 years, 2 months ago

How and when to use rapid COVID tests.

Slate  

A version of this article first appeared in Emily Oster’s newsletter, ParentData. The rapid tests are highly accurate during an individual’s most infectious state, which is typically when your body starts showing symptoms, so in this case you’re likely to find out if it is COVID. My 15-month-old stayed home from day care for three days with a runny nose, …

Where Can I Buy At-Home Rapid COVID Tests, And When Should I Use One?
3 years, 5 months ago

Where Can I Buy At-Home Rapid COVID Tests, And When Should I Use One?

Huff Post  

Hache via Getty Images Many people are turning to at-home rapid tests to check if they have a breakthrough or regular case of COVID-19. A large meta-analysis from March 2021 found that rapid antigen tests detected about 72% of symptomatic cases confirmed positive by a PCR test. “These rapid antigen tests, particularly the popular ones, are not good at detecting …

COVID-19 rapid antigen home testing to be available from November
3 years, 5 months ago

COVID-19 rapid antigen home testing to be available from November

ABC  

Australians will be able to test themselves for COVID-19 at home from November, once the national medical regulator approves the testing measure. Key points: Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests will be available for home use from November Dozens of testing kits are already approved for use, but currently require the supervision of a health professional States and territories will decide how …

How do you effectively use over-the-counter rapid antigen tests that can help slow the spread of COVID-19?
3 years, 5 months ago

How do you effectively use over-the-counter rapid antigen tests that can help slow the spread of COVID-19?

Firstpost  

A viral load that is too low to be detected by rapid antigen tests is almost surely too low to be transmissible. On Sept. 9, 2021, the White House announced several initiatives to improve access to rapid antigen tests: It will use the Defense Production Act to boost the production of tests, require retailers to sell rapid tests at cost, …

Rapid antigen testing could play crucial role in forging path out of Canberra's COVID-19 lockdown
3 years, 6 months ago

Rapid antigen testing could play crucial role in forging path out of Canberra's COVID-19 lockdown

ABC  

Even as the ACT inches closer to vaccination targets of 80 or 90 per cent, there will still be a major barrier to ending lockdowns. Yesterday ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr indicated that rapid antigen testing could be one of the tools in the territory's arsenal to stop the spread of the virus in the community. "With the new school …

COVID-19 vaccines, rapid tests to get NSW's Year 12s back in classroom
3 years, 7 months ago

COVID-19 vaccines, rapid tests to get NSW's Year 12s back in classroom

ABC  

Year 12s in Sydney's COVID-19 hotspots will be offered the Pfizer vaccine, and rapid testing will be rolled out in schools in a bid to salvage this year's HSC exams. Vaccinations for Year 12 students Big changes for shopping and schools as NSW records 177 new COVID-19 cases Photo shows A medical worker carries out coronavirus testing. "I don't think …

Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests should be used for frontline workers, politicians and experts argue
3 years, 7 months ago

Rapid COVID-19 antigen tests should be used for frontline workers, politicians and experts argue

ABC  

Rapid COVID-19 tests should be the next tool used in the fight against coronavirus, according to health experts and politicians — including some within the Coalition's own ranks — who argue the tests could help open borders and protect frontline health workers. Key points: Federal Liberal and Labor MPs are among those calling for rapid COVID-19 tests to be introduced …

Howard Springs staff fear hours-long wait for PCR saliva COVID-19 test results could endanger community
3 years, 9 months ago

Howard Springs staff fear hours-long wait for PCR saliva COVID-19 test results could endanger community

ABC  

Quarantine staff fear that less effective testing could put potentially infected, off-shift staff in the community for hours before COVID-19 is detected. Key points: The NT government has changed from rapid antigen tests to oral, saliva-only PCR tests Experts and the nurses union are concerned about the accuracy and punctuality of oral tests The NT Health minister says it's not …

Parliamentary panel red flags rapid antigen tests: A look at what makes the testing method contentious
4 years, 4 months ago

Parliamentary panel red flags rapid antigen tests: A look at what makes the testing method contentious

Firstpost  

While experts say that rapid antigen tests can help countries with out-of-control outbreaks, India’s practice of conflating the data from rapid tests and RT-PCR tests risks painting an incomplete picture of its infection rates The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare in its recent report on COVID-19 has said that it is “worried at the use of less …

Teachers, care workers, police to get rapid Covid tests at work
4 years, 4 months ago

Teachers, care workers, police to get rapid Covid tests at work

NL Times  

Healthcare workers with coronavirus symptoms will be able to get a rapid Covid-19 test at their work from the end of next month. Only rapid tests validated by public health institute RIVM will be available. Rapid tests will be available at seven to ten extra large test locations, and at 20 to 25 special rapid test centers. The Ministry of …

What is COVID-19 rapid testing, and should we be using it in Australia?
4 years, 5 months ago

What is COVID-19 rapid testing, and should we be using it in Australia?

ABC  

They're portable, scalable, and easy to use — and most importantly, can deliver a result in just 15 minutes. COVID-19 rapid tests, though considered less accurate than the widely used PCR tests, offer the possibility of testing more people with fewer resources in less time. "Rapid antigen tests are used at the point of care," Professor Williamson said. Australia, by …

Rapid test reliance may slow Covid-19 fight
4 years, 7 months ago

Rapid test reliance may slow Covid-19 fight

Hindustan Times  

Testing for the coronavirus disease in Delhi has become heavily reliant on antigen tests, which experts say are not as reliable as RT-PCR tests and end up skewing crucial data that could hamper the city’s fight to contain the virus. The Delhi government insists that it has relied on antigen tests only to increase testing in the Capital due to …

3M, MIT partner to make rapid COVID-19 antigen test
4 years, 8 months ago

3M, MIT partner to make rapid COVID-19 antigen test

Live Mint  

US industrial conglomerate 3M Co has partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a rapid antigen test for COVID-19, the company said on Tuesday. The test would produce results within minutes and could be administered on a low-cost, paper-based device, similar to a home pregnancy test, that could be delivered at the point of care. "We are seeking …

When it comes to coronavirus testing, not all tests are created equal
4 years, 10 months ago

When it comes to coronavirus testing, not all tests are created equal

ABC  

Australia is significantly expanding testing for COVID-19 across the country in order to stay on top of the virus and provide a path to re-open large portions of public life. Key points: Australia is ramping-up its COVID-19 testing capability Australia is ramping-up its COVID-19 testing capability There are moves for more rapid blood testing to supplement swab tests There are …

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