Australians could soon test for COVID-19 at home as rapid antigen tests seek approval
Australians could test themselves for COVID-19 from the comfort of their own homes by Christmas once the medical regulator approves the testing measure.
Rapid antigen tests are already being used in a number of settings, such as aged care homes and some quarantine facilities and workplaces.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has suggested there are good signs the rapid tests could be approved for at-home use this year.
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Rapid antigen tests could be done from the comfort of your own home. AP
It is currently illegal in Australia to sell rapid antigen tests to people for self-testing, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) looking at how they can be made suitable for use at home.
"Subject to effectiveness against Delta, we would like to see these available by Christmas if not well before," Mr Hunt told The Age.
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Rapid antigen tests only take 10-15 minutes. Photo: Kate Geraghty The Sydney Morning Herald
Rapid testing is already being done in a range of settings, including in aged care, quarantine facilities and some workplaces. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG) AP
The tests are not as precise as PCR tests, but they only take 10-15 minutes.
Rapid antigen tests are used throughout Britain, Europe and the US.
Mr Hunt stressed the tests would not be used as a replacement for usual PCR tests but would be an additional testing measure.
"It's an additional protection over and above the current testing, or the PCR," he said said.
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