RAT Tests or Rapid Antigen Testing are a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 that provide an expedited result or diagnosis in as little as 10-minutes.

There are a number of advantages to using rapid antigen tests over traditional diagnostic methods such as PCR or culture. Primarily, rapid antigen tests can produce results in a matter of minutes, whereas a conventional PCR test may take hours or even days – which doesn’t include the time that you spend waiting to get tested. This is important for quickly diagnosing and treating patients with viral infections. Second, rapid antigen tests are less expensive than other diagnostic methods.

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests
2. Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)

• You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms – a full list can be found here
• You have recorded a positive RAT and need a PCR test to confirm your diagnosis in order to travel – you will need to check state or territory legislation to confirm.
• You are a close contact to someone that has tested positive and do not have a RAT test available.

• You’ve been in contact (not close contact) with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19
• You need to check whether you have COVID-19 before attending an event such as a restaurant, festival, gathering.
• You are required to perform a RAT test to attend work or school

Yes, while SureScreen Rapid Tests are a valuable way to check for the presence of COVID-19, however, they still do have some room for error in use.

Results from tests are only considered reliable when the instructions for administering the test have been followed carefully.

If the sample used during the test is deemed inadequate, is compromised/contaminated or if the number of extraction buffer drops are less than 3 or more than 4, then the test may not be reliable.

Limitations associated with the RAT test are outlined in the information sheet that you receive in the box.

We recommend using the SureScreen RAT test in symptomatic individuals who have experienced an acute onset of fever, cough, general weakness/fatigue, headache, myalgia, sore throat, coryza, dyspnoea, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, altered mental status.

Rapid Antigen Testing may also be valuable in individuals who have been exposed to the virus but are not yet showing any symptoms. Early diagnosis can help to stop the spread of the virus and ensure that individuals know when they need to isolate from family and friends.

Yes, here is some guidance for administering the at-home COVID test from SureScreen:

• The test cassette should remain in the sealed pouch until ready to use.
• Do not use any nasal sprays 15 minutes prior to testing.
• Children under 12 years of age should be tested by an adult.
• Users with a nosebleed should not use this device.
• Tests are less reliable in the later phase of infection or asymptomatic individuals
• The extraction buffer contains materials which may create irritation if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. If the solution contacts with the skin or eye, wash with excess water thoroughly. If irritation persists, please seek medical attention.
• These test kits are only designed for human use – not your fluffy friends

Before using SureScreen SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test for adults, you must follow these instructions:

1. The test must be room temperature (15°C to 30°C). If the kit has been stored in a cool area (less than 15°C), leave it at normal room temperature for 20 minutes before using.
2. Check the expiration date on the box. Do not use if the kit if it has been damaged or has expired
3. Do not use any nasal sprays 15 minutes prior to testing