Using COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in your business
States and territories may have different recommendations for testing and reporting positive results based on their public health orders.
Stay up-to-date on the latest information on rapid antigen testing in your state or territory:
The two key types of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are:
- Point-of-care (PoC) tests - approximately $7-15 each, but must be performed under the supervision of a health practitioner, which may have more costs.
- Self-tests - ranging from $12-20 each, self-tests can be used unsupervised at home without the involvement of a health practitioner. The person performing the test interprets the results by themselves.
- Point-of-care (PoC) tests can be purchased by contacting test suppliers (sponsors) directly. You can find a list of approved suppliers on the TGA website.
- Self-tests can be purchased online or in chemists and supermarkets. Find a list of approved products on the TGA website.
Be aware of rapid antigen test scams
It's important to be aware of scams to protect yourself when purchasing rapid antigen tests. Here are some tips to help keep you safe from testing scams:
- Purchase rapid antigen tests from a trusted and legitimate business that can validate the standard of the tests.
- When purchasing from an online store, look for a URL that starts with “https” and a closed padlock symbol to show that information transmitted on that site is secure.
- Avoid paying up-front, via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card, or electronic currency like Bitcoin.
- Carefully check the messaging from your regular suppliers, as scammers may pretend to be a business you usually deal with. Verify any requests to change any payment arrangements by calling them on a known and trusted number.
- Get quotes from more than one supplier to help you work out the best price.
- Keep records of rapid antigen test delivery, specifications and user instructions.
The Australian privacy legislation has specific clauses relating to medical and health information. If you're considering PoC testing, it is important you know your legal requirements relating to data collection and relevant use of private health data.
It's important for employers to understand all of their legal and consultation obligations before implementing testing requirements for their employees. If you employ people you should consider getting legal advice to help you decide what is the best approach for your workplace.
As a general rule, you should follow the instructions provided with your home use test on how to dispose of it. Some tests come with a plastic bag for placing the contents of the swab etc into before placing this in the household rubbish bin.
If you are testing at your business premises and disposing of a large number of tests, you may need to comply with your state or territory waste management rules.
If you plan on introducing a rapid antigen testing program into your business, you should consider how it will fit with your overall COVID-19 emergency management plan.