Roche launches COVID-19 rapid antigen self-test in pharmacies while supermarkets get ready to stock up

MedTech News: From Monday 1 November 2021, Australians can self-test for COVID-19 in the comfort of their own homes, providing an important additional layer of protection as the country opens up.

The Roche SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal kit is a screening test and can be purchased from more than 500 pharmacies while Coles and Woolworths have confirmed they will sell the Chinese-manufactured Hough Pharma’s test.

Roche Diagnostics Australia Managing Director, Allison Rossiter, believes the kits will be an important tool in our efforts to help suppress and manage the spread of COVID-19. As it can take from three to eight days for symptoms to develop after exposure, early detection is critical to help contain the spread of the virus.

“We know they will boost public confidence in a number of scenarios, whether that’s testing before visiting an elderly or vulnerable relative, returning to school, work and travel or attending large sporting and cultural events. In re-opening the Australian borders and getting the economy back on track, the timing of these tests could not be better,” she said.

Dean Whiting, Clinical Biochemist and CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, recently commented “These tests are provided free of charge in the UK, many European countries and in Singapore, for use by the general public. The anecdotal evidence is that people use these responsibly and with positive effect. Certainly the reports of use in school children in the UK and Germany are very positive.

“The evidence so far is that these rapid tests are picking up cases that otherwise would have been missed. It is likely that if these tests are adopted widely and used regularly, transmission through asymptomatic routes will slow. If we can establish a culture of performing tests at home for COVID and seasonal flu, we could reduce the impact these infections have on individuals and the economy.”

Ms Rossiter continued “These tests can assist in the management of COVID-19 and will allow Aussies to take quick action to help protect co-workers or loved ones. However, it’s important people know that these tests do not replace the more accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, instead they are another tool in the arsenal.”

The Roche rapid antigen test is simple and comfortable to use, as the swab only has to be inserted into the nostril, not the deep nasopharyngeal cavity, like many PCR tests. A positive Rapid Antigen Test result must always be followed up immediately with a confirmatory PCR lab test. Conversely, a negative Rapid Antigen Test does not completely exclude infection with COVID-19. Other recommended measures such as face masks, social distancing and good hygiene practice must still be maintained.

Getting the testing process right is vital to an accurate result.

“Once people understand the steps, regular testing is easy. Importantly, people can enter their test results via a QR code to the Navify Pass app, which allows users to digitally record and share test results. This allows them to easily track their results and share them with others, whether that’s ahead of travel, visiting workplaces or attending events or school,” said Ms Rossiter. 

The Roche rapid antigen test, one of nine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has a recommended retail price of $54.50 plus GST per pack of 5 tests.