When is it OK to take a rapid antigen test for COVID rather than lining up for a PCR swab?
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 antigen tests. While both tests are more likely to correctly detect an infection when the person's viral load is high, PCR tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen tests. As COVID-19 cases rise across Australia and the threat of the Omicron variant looms over Christmas celebrations scheduled for the days ahead, some believe making rapid antigen tests free would help curb rising infections. Consider a rapid antigen test if you: are planning to visit a sensitive site are planning to have contact with someone at high risk from COVID, and you want to protect them have COVID symptoms but can't get to a PCR testing site are going to an event where lots of people will be mixing, particularly if it's being held indoors where the risk of transmission is considerably higher want to quickly check whether you might have a SARS-CoV-2 infection are part of a regular COVID surveillance program.
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