Rapid antigen tests will be available in Australia next week. Here's everything you need to know.

In only a matter of days, Australians will be able to test for COVID-19 from the comfort of their own homes, after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved rapid antigen tests from Monday November 1.

The at-home testing kits that have been used overseas for some time now will make detecting coronavirus quick and easy, returning a result in 15 to 20 minutes. 

Here's everything you need to know about rapid antigen tests before they become available.

What is a rapid antigen test?

A rapid antigen test is a COVID-19 test you can do on yourself that will tell you whether or not you have the virus.

It involves a nasal swab (yep, you sadly have to stick it up your nose the same way they would at a COVID-19 testing clinic) that you place into a chemical solution. 

And instead of waiting 24 hours or more for the results, you will see a positive or negative result in 15 to 20 minutes.

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What are the benefits of rapid antigen testing?

Quite simply, rapid antigen testing is the fastest way to test whether you have the virus. It's especially beneficial for anyone who shows no symptoms but wants to make sure they are COVID-free. 

Rapid antigen tests will become extremely handy once we open up, allowing Australians to ensure they aren't infected before attending events, venues, or travelling overseas.

The tests will also be trialed in schools in Albury, NSW next week, a town that has been hard hit by the pandemic. 

The tests will be handed out by schools for use at home by staff and students, who will do the test twice a week as part of community surveillance.

How accurate is rapid antigen testing?

It has been noted that while rapid antigen tests are quicker, they are not as effective as the tests they use at COVID-19 clinics - which are called PCR tests.

PCR tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen tests and can detect lower levels of the virus, therefore, proving to be more effective. 

So, it's suggested that if you develop symptoms or are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19, you should still attend a clinic and get a PCR test.

Additionally, Health Minister Greg Hunt expects that if someone tests positive after using the rapid antigen test, they should go for a PCR test after.

"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 said last month. 

"But those rules, I should say, are not ones that would be set at a parliamentary level, but rightly set under public health orders at a state level."

When can we get a rapid antigen test?

From Monday, rapid antigen tests will be available to buy online and in-store. 

The TGA has approved nine different tests that we can use at home.

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When should you use a rapid antigen test?

You should use a rapid antigen test before attending any place where you might risk spreading COVID-19. For example, before attending a hospital, a sporting event or travelling.

Where can you buy rapid antigen tests from?

You can buy rapid antigen tests from retail stores, pharmacies and supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths.

However, you won't be able to get your hands on them if you live in South Australia and Western Australia, as the two states don't allow the use of rapid antigen tests.

How much does a rapid antigen test cost?

The price will depend on the retailer, however, the test will roughly cost $30 for a packet of two and around $50 for a pack of five. 

In parts of Europe, rapid antigen tests can be purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets for around €5 to €20. In the US, tests cost up to US$50. 

While Singapore has distributed the tests to all households free of charge.

This article was originally published on September 29, 2021, and has been updated with new information.

Feature Image: Getty.