Be careful! Things to check with rapid antigen tests
We're checking availability for RAT testing kits regularly but delivery times are subject to change. All tests sold in Australia must be approved by the TGA. Some sellers try and charge prices far above the average ("price gouging"). This isn't legal in Australia. Always consider your options carefully before buying.
Pricing
Rapid antigen tests vary in price, but currently typically cost between $10 to $30 each.
Free eligibility
Rapid antigen tests are free to some groups, including aged care, education workers and some health and pension cardholders.
Test types
Unlike a PCR test, RAT tests are performed at home. Oral or nasal test kits are available. Results typically take around 20 minutes.
Aussie Pharma Direct offers Sonictec COVID-19 / Influenza A&B Antigen Test Kit Test in packs of 1 to 12, with prices ranging from $3.95 to $65.90. Items are shipped the same day.
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Save up to 10% on Good Riddance Deet-Free insect repellent, up to 50% off sunscreen and up to 90% off rapid antigen tests at Aussie Pharma Direct. Limited time offer, while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
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Healthy Life is the official COVID-19 test provider for Woolworths. It offers 2San LYHER rapid antigen test kits and TouchBio in packs of 2 to 20, priced from $20 to $70. Dispatch is in 2–3 business days.
Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
As one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, eBay is a reliable source of COVID-19 RAT kits. It offers JusChek Nasal, HIGHTOP, 2SAN Lyher, RightSign, Testsealabs, and AllTest Nasal sold in 1- to 20-packs, priced from $10.99 to $55.
Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
As one of the biggest online marketplaces in the world, Amazon is a reliable source of COVID-19 RAT kits. It offers InnoScreen, All Test, 2San, Cellife, RightSign, JusChek Nasal and Oral, Clungene, EcoTest, and TouchBio RSV and is priced from $6.50 to $1,960.
Approved by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods
To give you a sense of how dire matters used to be, here's a graph showing the average stock levels for RATs from the beginning of 2022. We also have a graph reflecting the average pricing of RATs during the same period.
The average cost of one rapid antigen test was the highest in , costing per test. The state that spent the least was , where they paid per test.
Video guide: How to use your rapid antigen testing kit
Confused about how to administer the test? We've got you covered. Here's a generic step-by-step guide from NSW Health. Remember steps vary from brand to brand.
How do rapid antigen tests work?
A rapid antigen test is a screening tool used to detect COVID-19. You can take the test at home without the need for lab equipment or a health professional. Instead, place a saliva sample or nasal swab into a chemical solution. Results usually take less than 10 minutes.
Rapid antigen tests are not as accurate as PCR tests, with a higher chance of a false negative. However, it is generally unnecessary to confirm a RAT result with a PCR result.
COVID-19 testing kits require Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval and inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before being sold legally in Australia. Stock is limited, so grab yourself a kit when they are available.
How much do rapid antigen tests cost?
Pricing for RATs varies. You can expect to pay between $20 and $30 per pack, which typically contains 5 rapid antigen tests. It's possible to get the price down to under $3 per test if you buy multiple packs in a single purchase. This is a sensible option if you live in a large household or need to test yourself regularly due to travel.
RAT suppliers with the cheapest prices include Medmate and COVID Solutions Australia. If you prefer to buy from traditional retailers, Chemist Warehouse consistently has discounted RATs available.
Oral vs Nasal rapid antigen tests
There are currently 2 types of rapid antigen tests available in Australia: oral and nasal testing.
Nasal tests involve inserting a nasal swab into your nose. You then twirl it around for a few seconds allowing the soft bristles to collect a sample of the cells and fluids present to be analysed. The nasal swab needs to be inserted quite far to collect a good specimen for an accurate test result. Some people find nasal RATs extremely uncomfortable. But it's all over in a few seconds.
Pictured: TGA-listed and verified rapid antigen testing kits from Rapid Proof. Image: Supplied
Oral or saliva tests are much less invasive and can be performed in 2 different ways depending on the provider. Some tests will require you to spit into a tube, while others instruct you to suck on the bristled end of a swab just like the ones you'd find in a nasal testing kit.
Both tests detect the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. Both tests are deemed to be equally effective at detecting the virus. And a range of both types of tests has been TGA-approved.
However, which test you want to carry out is completely up to you. You can see how both RAT types fare in our in-depth test.
Where can I get an antigen test?
Multiple providers sell rapid antigen home testing kits in Australia, many of which we have listed above. You can also buy kits from major supermarket chains, pharmacies, online retailers or directly from the provider.
When buying online, make sure that the product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). This is a legal requirement for any kit sold in Australia. So long as you're making sure the provider's service matches your budget, requirements and turnaround time, you can't go too far wrong.
Keep an eye on the Trustpilot reviews for any unknown providers, and don't be afraid to speak to their customer service if you're unsure about anything. Always check the refunds policy too. Government guidelines are continuously changing, so it's worth making sure you can get your money back if you need to.
Are some rapid antigen tests more accurate than others?
Yes. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) applies a clinical sensitivity rating to rapid antigen tests based on performance testing. To be sold in Australia, the test must receive one of the following ratings:
Very high sensitivity: Clinical sensitivity greater than 95% PPA
High sensitivity: Clinical sensitivity greater than 90% PPA
Acceptable sensitivity: Clinical sensitivity greater than 80% PPA
Needless to say, a test with very high sensitivity is technically superior to a test with acceptable sensitivity. You can see the clinical sensitivity rating of all approved rapid antigen tests on the TGA website. We have also ranked popular RATs by sensitivity in this table.
Do I need a COVID test for travel?
Some countries and airlines require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight. You can check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to at the SmartTraveller website.
Free tests
There are a variety of ways you can access free rapid antigen tests depending on where in Australia you live. The following is a brief rundown of the major ways individuals in each state and territory can access free RATs.
NSW – Free RATs are available to eligible concession card holders, those living with a disability and immunocompromised individuals.
Victoria – Most local councils offer free RATs. All Victorians are able to collect up to 2 packs of 5 RATs per person. People with disabilities and their carers can get 20 free tests.
Queensland – Free RATs are available to eligible concession card holders, individuals who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless or individuals who are seeking asylum in Queensland.
South Australia – South Australians can collect 5 free RATS from designated RAT Collection Points.
Tasmania – Tasmanians can request a free RAT here.
Northern Territory – Free RATs are available at a range of participating health providers throughout the Northern Territory, including GPs and health clinics.
ACT – Free RATs are available for collection at the Garran Surge Centre and for eligible concession card holders at ACT libraries.
COVID-19 isolation requirements
Isolation is no longer a requirement following a positive COVID result. However, the practice is strongly recommended by health authorities.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you must not visit high-risk settings such as aged and disability care facilities for 7 days and until you have no symptoms of COVID-19.
Chris Jager is the lead shopping editor at Finder, specialising in consumer technology and hunting down the best deals. With over 15 years of experience as a full-time journalist, Chris has provided expertise to many leading technology publications, including PC World, Australian Gamepro, Good Gear Guide, ARN, IT News, PC Authority, CRN, GameSpy, Gizmodo, Business Insider, MSN, Kotaku, Lifehacker Australia, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Before joining Finder, Chris was the editor of Lifehacker Australia for five years. He has a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Western Sydney. Outside of Finder, you'll find him playing with retro 80s computers while juggling 3 TikTok-obsessed daughters. See full bio
Here's where you can book a PCR test in Melbourne and wider Victoria.
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