New RAT can test for both flu and Covid at home with a single swab

A new home rapid antigen test can now detect if you have Covid or the flu with just one swab. See how it works.

With winter months fast approaching and Australians bracing for the flu season, new rapid antigen tests (RATs) that can detect both Covid and Influenza with one swab have started to hit pharmacy shelves.

The range of home tests — which can cost anywhere from $9 to $60 — use technology most people are now familiar with.

Five of seven combo home tests on sale in Australia have been approved since January, with the first approved in September last year

So if you have symptoms and are unsure if it’s Covid or the flu, here’s what you need to know about the tests via the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THESE RATs?

RATs were most popularly used by Aussies while testing at home for Covid, especially during the lockdown.

RATs to detect the flu have been available for years, particularly by health workers to test patients. However, the latest RATs are different for two reasons.

Not only can they be used at home, but they detect both Covid and the flu with one swab — also known as a “combo” test.

These tests let you check, with one test kit, if you are infected with two types of flu, influenza A and B, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid.

A Covid and Flu Rapid Antigen Combo Test.

TouchBio were one of the first nasal combination self-tests that were approved by the TGA last year and said they’re increasing accessibility for Australians across the country ahead of this year’s flu season.

“As Australia heads into flu season, we are being warned about the looming ‘Triple Threat Virus’ and the risk of severe illness due to the flu and Covid co-infections is a growing concern,” Growth and Strategy Consultant at Touch Biotechnology, Steven Quinlan said.

“Our Flu and Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Combo Test Kit allows Australians to test for two of the three nasty viruses of concern in one easy to use kit.

“We’ve significantly expanded the accessibility for Australians by partnering with Coles to stock the tests in their stores nationwide.”

HOW DO THE COMBO RATs WORK?

Combination self-tests are like other Covid RATs, however, they feature an additional line on the test cassette that indicates the presence of influenza A and B.

Most results will be displayed in a window on the device and there are separate lines which show a result for each virus — either Covid or Influenza A or Influenza B.

Results will look like either:

• Lines appear only in the control regions (C) and no lines appear in any of the test regions (e.g., T, A and B): Negative result
• Lines appear in the control regions (C) and in any or all the test regions (e.g., T, A and B): Positive result. Even a faint line in a test region is considered positive.
• Lines do not appear in the control regions (C): Invalid result

Each combination RAT is slightly different and so it’s important to follow the steps in the instructions provided with the test you use.

For tests that use a saliva sample, do not eat, drink, smoke, brush your teeth or chew gum for 10–30 minutes before collecting the sample as it may produce an incorrect result.

All tests are for single use only which means you can only use each test once and then it must be thrown away.

Ensure you wash your hands after completing the test and disposing of the test kit contents.

Each combination RAT is slightly different and so it’s important to follow the steps in the instructions provided.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE THE TEST?

The tests are more reliable when used by a person with symptoms of Covid or the flu as the RATs are less reliable when used by someone without symptoms.

RATs are generally best performed within the first 7 days from when symptoms first appear for Covid and within the first 4 days from when symptoms first appear for Influenza.

It’s important to note that RATs are not as accurate as PCR tests done in laboratories.

You can purchase combination RATs online, from pharmacies or from any other retail outlet that stock the tests.

The combo test works very similar to the RATs used for Covid testing.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU TEST NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE?

If you get a positive result for Covid, you should stay at home.

Given different States and Territories may have different recommendations for testing and for reporting positive results, it’s important to check the information provided by your state or territory health department to find out what you need to do.

This includes whether a confirmatory PCR is required, whether you need to report your result and quarantine requirements, and any other specific medical advice.

Individuals with a positive result for Influenza or who are unwell must consult a medical practitioner for follow-up clinical care.

You also shouldn’t repeat the test in the hope the second test will be negative.

If you get a negative result for Covid or the flu, it is less likely that you have either virus but it’s important you continue to follow all public health advice on limiting the spread of the virus.

Originally published as New RAT can test for both flu and Covid at home with a single swab