Buy rapid antigen tests (RATs) in Darwin: From $6 per test

Check out the cheapest and most accessible options for buying rapid antigen tests in Darwin and the rest of the Northern Territory.

What appears to be a new wave of COVID-19 is rising in Australia. The Northern Territory remains one of the less-affected regions of the country, but cases are clearly trending up. This means rapid antigen tests (RATs) are set to become more important than ever in the Territory.

RATs are extremely useful, providing accurate COVID test results in approximately 15 minutes. They will be needed more than ever given the current situation in Australia.

This means it's a good idea to get a handle on the best options available to you for purchasing rapid antigen tests in Darwin and the Northern Territory. To help you do just that, we've assembled this guide.

Cheapest rapid antigen tests Darwin and NT

$7.95 off single test-pack from Rapid Antigen Tests Online

On Rapid Antigen Tests Online, you can buy a JusCheck oral or nasal swab RAT for $7 (plus flat $12.50 express shipping). You can scale this deal all the way up to 200 RATs, stock permitting.

• Clinical nasal test kit
• Illustrated step-by-step instructions
• Express delivery

Buy now for $7

$29.91 off 5-pack on Rapid Proof

Land a discount by buying RATs in a larger quantity. You can purchase this 5-pack of JusChek nasal swab kits for just $29.99, plus free shipping.

• Clinical nasal test kit
• Illustrated step-by-step instructions
• Express delivery available

$20 off 10-pack from Rapid Antigen Australia

Grab this 10-pack of Flowflex nasal test kits for just $79.90 (plus $7.95 shipping). Bulk buying offers greater savings, making this a perfect option for larger families.

• Clinical nasal test kit
• Illustrated step-by-step instructions

$15.99 for 2-pack from Catch

Purchase a RightSign 2-pack of RATs for just $15.99 plus free shipping. In fact, Catch offers free shipping on all RAT orders.

• Clinical nasal test kit
• Illustrated step-by-step instructions

How to use a RAT kit

If you're unfamiliar with RAT kits, or simply need a refresher on how to use them, refer to this generic video from NSW Health. Keep in mind, instructions are different based on which brand you are using.

RAT rules in NT

The Northern Territory utilises rapid antigen testing more extensively any other area in Australia. PCR testing is only required if clinically necessary, or otherwise directed by an authorised officer. If you test positive on a RAT, you must immediately declare your result via this form. Submitting this form will trigger an email letting you know the next steps you need to take.

If you test positive and are vaccinated, you can leave isolation at 12 noon 7 days after your test, provided you have no symptoms. If you still have symptoms, you cannot leave isolation until your symptoms are gone, or you have received a medical certificate asserting that you are no longer infectious.

For unvaccinated individuals who test positive, the same rules apply, except your initial isolation period is 10 days.

Free RATs in NT

As part of the Northern Territory's heavy reliance on RATs, the government has implemented an extensive system to allow residents to collect RATs from a number of distribution points. However, these RATs are only available for immediate use, so if you'd like to maintain a supply to keep in your home to use in the future, you should look into purchasing test kits from one of the vendors listed in this article.

Additionally, certain concession card holders are able to acquire a maximum of 5 tests in month and 10 tests in 3 months under a Commonwealth government scheme. If you hold one of the following concession cards, you can pick up your free RATs from a participating community pharmacy:

• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Health Care Card
• Low Income Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold, White or Orange card

Where to buy masks in NT

Face masks are mandatory in a number of high-risk settings in the Northern Territory, and the government advises in favour of their use. With case numbers growing, the locations in which masks are mandatory may be expanded. Here are your best options for buying face masks in Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Buy cloth masks

Buy N95 masks