Articles for Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests should still be used for COVID-19, but some brands are better than others
1 year, 1 month ago

Rapid antigen tests should still be used for COVID-19, but some brands are better than others

ABC  

OK, hands up — who has a stockpile of COVID rapid antigen tests in the cupboard? Key points: There is a wide variation in the accuracy of COVID rapid antigen tests Experts say we still need RATs to stop the spread of COVID and ensure timely treatment There's a lot you can do to maximise the accuracy of RATs As …

Tests Covid Manufacturers Photo Rapid Rats Rat
Federal government commits to $1.4 billion COVID spend as aged care outbreaks continue
2 years, 3 months ago

Federal government commits to $1.4 billion COVID spend as aged care outbreaks continue

ABC  

The federal government has revealed it's spending an extra $1.4 billion to help healthcare providers and the aged care sector deal with the pandemic. Key points: The federal government money to manage COVID lasts until the end of this year Aged care will receive $840 million to maintain programs like on-site PCR testing and the supply of rapid antigen tests …

Health Funding Care This Year Pcr Aged Federal Government
Coronavirus Today: The isolation conundrum
2 years, 4 months ago

Coronavirus Today: The isolation conundrum

LA Times  

I’m Karen Kaplan, and it’s Tuesday, Aug 9. A study of 729 people who took a BinaxNow antigen test at least five days after becoming infected found that 54% of them tested positive, even though, by the CDC’s standards, enough time had passed that their isolation could end. “A positive antigen test result does not necessarily mean that a person …

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Doctors urge people with COVID symptoms to seek PCR tests as reports of false negatives from RATs rise
2 years, 5 months ago

Doctors urge people with COVID symptoms to seek PCR tests as reports of false negatives from RATs rise

ABC  

Allie and her family have been through many boxes of rapid antigen tests. "He then tested positive because he'd made my husband go to the office, so I think that shows RATs are rubbish," Allie said. Allie's story is an increasingly common one and as new variants drive a surge in COVID cases in Australia, doctors are warning against relying …

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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, 6 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 …

Test Tests Covid Flu Rapid Rapid Antigen Tests Antigen
My At-Home Rapid Test Is Negative, But Could I Still Have COVID?
2 years, 7 months ago

My At-Home Rapid Test Is Negative, But Could I Still Have COVID?

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING In the age of omicron, where COVID’s attack rate is higher than previous variants, entire households and friend groups are getting sick. As variants have emerged, scientists have wondered if the new mutations could impact rapid tests’ ability to detect the changing virus — but this hasn’t been the case. A study from UMass Chan Medical School …

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Expert calls on Mark McGowan to reopen WA border amid 'public indifference' to COVID-19
2 years, 10 months ago

Expert calls on Mark McGowan to reopen WA border amid 'public indifference' to COVID-19

ABC  

Yesterday, Western Australia recorded the highest number of local COVID-19 cases it has ever seen in one day. Key points: A growing number of West Australians are taking rapid antigen tests A growing number of West Australians are taking rapid antigen tests Premier Mark McGowan says this could help explain low PCR testing numbers Premier Mark McGowan says this could …

Border Cases Tests Testing West Public Premier
Two cases of COVID-19 confirmed at Juniper's Cygnet aged care home in Bentley
2 years, 10 months ago

Two cases of COVID-19 confirmed at Juniper's Cygnet aged care home in Bentley

ABC  

Western Australia has record its first cases of Omicron in an aged care facility, with two cases of COVID-19 detected in a nursing home in the Perth suburb of Bentley. Key points: WA's Health Minister says interstate travellers pose the biggest COVID risk WA's Health Minister says interstate travellers pose the biggest COVID risk Domestic and overseas arrivals will receive …

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Rapid antigen tests compulsory for people presenting to WA hospitals, as COVID outbreak grows
2 years, 10 months 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 …

Test Tests Testing Hospitals Pcr Rapid Covid Cases
South Australia records one COVID-linked death and 1,234 new cases, authorities urge more people to get PCR tests
2 years, 10 months ago

South Australia records one COVID-linked death and 1,234 new cases, authorities urge more people to get PCR tests

ABC  

South Australia has recorded another COVID-linked death and 1,234 new cases of the virus, with health authorities now seeking to arrest a decline in PCR testing. "It's far more accurate than rapid antigen tests, so we're now saying, as of today, everyone with symptoms, whether they be a close contact or somebody who develops symptoms, needs to have the PCR …

Test Tests Pcr Marshall South Australia Mr Marshall Rat
As Omicron spreads across the world, what does the future of contact tracing look like?
2 years, 10 months ago

As Omicron spreads across the world, what does the future of contact tracing look like?

ABC  

While the world has been busy ramping up booster shots and procuring enough tests and masks to handle the ongoing threat of Omicron, another tool once touted as crucial in controlling the spread has become something of a relic. Key points: Countries around the world are scaling back contact tracing efforts in the face of rising Omicron infections Australian epidemiologist …

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NSW COVID-19 hospitalisations may have plateaued but experts cautious about Omicron peak
2 years, 11 months ago

NSW COVID-19 hospitalisations may have plateaued but experts cautious about Omicron peak

ABC  

Data shows COVID-19 hospitalisations in NSW may have plateaued, but experts are hesitant to declare the Omicron outbreak has peaked. Key points: Growth in the number of people in hospital has slowed over the past seven days Modelling predicted hospitalisations would peak around January 22 Experts say the data is positive but they are still reluctant to confirm an Omicron …

Data Outbreak Number Icu Nsw Peak Omicron
Why rapid COVID tests aren't more accurate and how scientists hope to improve them
2 years, 11 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 …

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Queensland will have 'glut' of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests within weeks, Pharmacy Guild says
2 years, 11 months ago

Queensland will have 'glut' of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests within weeks, Pharmacy Guild says

ABC  

Australians trying to get their hands on hard-to-find COVID-19 rapid antigen tests may not need to wait much longer, with retail chains flagging a large supply is due to arrive in Queensland in the coming weeks. Key points: Pressure on the supply of rapid antigen tests is expected to ease from next week The Pharmacy Guild says RATs will be …

Retail Supply Tests State Next Week Weeks Owen
National cabinet to discuss COVID safe return to school, with planning underway to deal with staff shortages
2 years, 11 months ago

National cabinet to discuss COVID safe return to school, with planning underway to deal with staff shortages

ABC  

National cabinet will meet today to finalise a COVID safety plan for schools, as corporate staff in the New South Wales education department are told they could be required to teach classes if there is a teacher shortage. Key points: Political leaders do not want schools to close after they return this year Some lobby groups warn there will be …

Students School Teachers Schools Safe Covid Staff
Australian-made RATs await TGA approval amid rapid antigen test shortage
2 years, 11 months ago

Australian-made RATs await TGA approval amid rapid antigen test shortage

ABC  

As Australians struggle to get hold of a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, several Australian companies have been waiting months for local approval of their RATs. Key points: At least two Australian companies have applications pending with the TGA for rapid antigen tests Both tests are currently in use in overseas markets Brisbane-based AnteoTech is hoping to produce at least a …

Europe Test Tests Covid Thomson European Approval
Queensland school year to start with remote learning for some independent schools amid COVID-19 Omicron surge
2 years, 11 months ago

Queensland school year to start with remote learning for some independent schools amid COVID-19 Omicron surge

ABC  

Some Queensland schools have begun telling parents and students summer holidays will not be extended by two weeks, as announced by the Premier, and that learning is on track to resume at the end of the month. Key points: Many schools already planned last year for a disrupted start to 2022 and are set up for online learning No official …

Independent Learning Online Schools Online Learning Start Remote
Centrelink recipients could be forced to WORK for the dole
2 years, 11 months ago

Centrelink recipients could be forced to WORK for the dole

Daily Mail  

The unemployed could be forced to stack supermarket shelves to help alleviate critical supply shortages as bosses struggle to recruit low-paid workers. Acting Small Business Minister Anne Ruston held crisis talks with industry leaders on Tuesday night as thousands of workers self isolate with Covid, causing a shortage of consumer goods. The unemployed, older Australians and temporary migrants could be …

Work Workers Covid Morrison Ruston Centrelink Jobseeker
Queensland records 22,069 new COVID-19 cases, Nurses Union calls for mandatory rapid tests for essential workers
2 years, 11 months ago

Queensland records 22,069 new COVID-19 cases, Nurses Union calls for mandatory rapid tests for essential workers

ABC  

Nurses are "angry" at the stressful conditions they are working under as COVID-19 spreads through Queensland, and say rapid antigen tests should be mandated and readily available for essential workers. Key points: The Chief Health Officer says data shows unvaccinated people were nine times more likely to end up in hospital The government is not moving to mandate third shots …

Health Tests Workers Commonwealth Covid Icu Queensland
RATs in short supply: Rapid antigen test shortage shows little sign of ending soon
2 years, 11 months ago

RATs in short supply: Rapid antigen test shortage shows little sign of ending soon

ABC  

Australians are desperately searching for rapid antigen tests, but retail supplies remain limited and are unlikely to improve significantly for several weeks. Key points: Suppliers are bringing in millions of rapid antigen tests a week, but say deman still outstrips supply A major increase in supplies is not expected for weeks, possibly not until mid-February In some states and territories, …

Test Tests Testing Told Melbourne Pcr Close
Leading expert says MPs were warned that testing 'wouldn't cope'
2 years, 11 months ago

Leading expert says MPs were warned that testing 'wouldn't cope'

ABC  

A public health specialist says he told a group of parliamentarians, including several Coalition members, back in August that Australia's PCR-testing system was destined to buckle and that the government should immediately start planning for the use of rapid antigen tests. Key points: Public health specialist Henning Liljeqvist says he gave a presentation to the Parliamentary Friends of Medicine group …

Health Tests Testing Group Spokesperson Williams System
As COVID-19 surges, parents are worried about sending their partially-vaccinated children back to classrooms
2 years, 11 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 …

Children School Tests Ms Newman Benjamin Marshall Rapid
As Omicron spreads, how do we solve the rapid test drought? Our overseas neighbours have some answers
2 years, 11 months ago

As Omicron spreads, how do we solve the rapid test drought? Our overseas neighbours have some answers

ABC  

Australians' fondness for queuing has been tested over the past few weeks, as hundreds of thousands seeking COVID-19 results stood for hours in the summer heat, in lines that snaked around city blocks. Dean Whiting, CEO of peak testing body Pathology Technology Australia, said shelves here were full to the brim with rapid tests in November, and most weren't moving …

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Why are rapid tests for COVID-19 in such short supply?
2 years, 11 months ago

Why are rapid tests for COVID-19 in such short supply?

LA Times  

Boxes of BinaxNow home COVID-19 tests made by Abbott are shown for sale in November at a CVS store in Lakewood, Wash. Is that tickle in your nose COVID-19, or just a cold? Abbott Laboratories, which makes the BinaxNOW rapid antigen test, expects to produce 70 million tests this month and is working to raise that to 100 million, said …

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