Rapid antigen tests are becoming essential for many festive season events, but there are big problems with the products we should have seen coming.
Unlike Australia, some overseas governments have made rapid tests free or highly reduced their costs through subsidies.
European governments have also largely absorbed the cost of rapid tests, however prices differ depending on the country. In Germany, France and Denmark, residents can purchase a pack of five tests for $A39.Compared to PCR tests which amplifies the genetic sequence of DNA and can find small amounts of viral genetic material, rapid antigen tests detect viral proteins found via a nasal or saliva sample.
It is also important to note that rapid antigen tests shouldn’t be used to confirm a Covid-19 diagnosis, which must be done through a PCR test. They’re also currently prohibited for public use in South Australia and Western Australia. The Nursing and Deputy Head of Griffith University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Thea van de Mortel says rapid antigen tests are best used as a “screening tool,” where as PCR tests properly diagnose a Covid-19 infection.she advocates people use a rapid test if they’re “planning to visit a sensitive site ,” or someone who is at a high risk from Covid.
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