Rapid antigen test kits available to Australians from November 1

Testing yourself for Covid at home with a rapid antigen test kit is set to become a reality in Australia. Here is how it works.

Testing yourself for Covid at home with a rapid antigen test kit is set to become a reality for thousands of Australians from November 1, and they could be on sale soon at pharmacies and convenience stores.

The rapid antigen tests have been used in the United Kingdom and the US for months, but are now finally set to secure approval here in Australia.

But unlike the standard “free” Covid tests, they will come with a price tag unless you’re lucky enough to work for an employer who offers the tests without charge.

Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the decision today, but stressed they wouldn’t replace the standard test.

“Home testing will be available from November 1, obviously subject to individual tests being approved as safe and effective,” Mr Hunt said.

“This is an important additional protection for Australians, home testing to support Australians and the national plan.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the decision today, but stressed they wouldn’t replace the standard test. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Wayne Taylor

And if you test positive in the short-term, you may still require a second test to confirm the result.

“The early guidance we have is that the expectation would be that if someone is positive they do confirm that with a PCR test,” Mr Hunt added.

How do the rapid tests work?

So how will the tests work if you want to DIY a Covid test? The mechanics are simple – just like the standard Covid test, you will need to stick the tester right up your nose.

However, instead of having to wait 24 hours or more for your results, you will get the answer within 20 to 30 minutes.

The nasal swab is placed into a chemical solution and that solution is then applied to a reactive strip of paper just as women currently do for a home pregnancy test.

The rapid tests are regarded as particularly useful in identifying asymptomatic cases which are expected to grow as Australia’s vaccination rate hits 80 per cent and symptoms are masked.

Vaccinated Australians are far less likely to be infected with Covid, but breakthrough cases can occur and the vaccinated can in some cases transmit the virus.

TGA to allow companies to apply for approval

Currently, it is illegal in Australia to sell rapid antigen tests to people for self-testing, but that’s all about to change with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) outlining the roadmap for the rollout.

However, the TGA announced today it will make a new regulation by October 1, 2021 that will allow companies to formally apply for TGA regulatory approval after October 1 to legally supply their self-tests for use at home in Australia after November 1, 2021.

“This is an important step in supporting the National Plan to transition Australia’s National Covid-19 Response and aligns with the time frame where it is expected that approximately 70 per cent of Australians will be double vaccinated,” a spokesman said.

A rapid antigen test. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“Individual tests will require TGA approval and inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as for all other testing kits. The TGA has already commenced the review of data and information for self-tests for those suppliers who have responded to the registration of interest process.”

First, the TGA says it wants to ensure that the instructions for use are written in a way that all consumers can understand, with online support, a YouTube video, 1800 call number, and a website fact sheet for consumers to seek help or ask questions.

It is important that the appropriate systems are in place, including by states and territories, to ensure the reliable use of these tests at home occurs at the earliest possible time, and that any consumer who has a positive rapid antigen test result is supported to immediately have a confirmatory PCR test at a Covid-19 testing centre.

How much will the new tests cost?

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr warned today that Canberrans will be asked to pay for their own rapid antigen tests. It’s not clear how much they will cost, but they are around $10 in Singapore and as much as $40 in the UK.

“The ACT government is not going to be buying 15 million of these test kits and posting them to every Canberran. No, you’ll often need to access them yourself,” Mr Barr said.

“I don’t want anyone to think … that there’s going to be free, government-funded rapid tests for everyone for the end of time.”

Are the new tests as accurate as standard Covid tests?

Rapid antigen tests will detect most cases of Covid-19 but are not as accurate as the standard test (PCR).

Rapid antigen tests will detect most cases of Covid-19 but are not as accurate as the standard test. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

If you develop symptoms or are identified as a close or casual contact of someone who has Covid-19, the medical advice remains that you must get tested at a clinic and self-isolate.

On Monday, NCA Newswire revealed the TGA had been waiting on a “signal” from the government to progress approvals for rapid antigen testing.

A statement from a spokesman for Mr Hunt said the government had “already tasked” the TGA with urgently assessing the safety and efficacy of rapid antigen testing for home use.

Asked if the delay in rolling out rapid antigen tests for home use in Australia was a deliberate strategy until there were higher levels of vaccination in the community, Professor Skerritt said: “Correct”.

“If you’ve got someone out there in the community who’s infectious and 80 per cent of people … (are) vaccinated, it’s a hell of a big difference than if you’ve only got 50 per cent vaccinated,” he told NCA Newswire.