Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests for concession card holders*

From early 2022, eligible Commonwealth concession card holders will be able to access free rapid antigen tests through participating community pharmacies, including select Amcal pharmacies. The exact date this is scheduled to commence in our pharmacies will be confirmed shortly and is dependent on the rollout of software by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

To access free rapid antigen tests in participating pharmacies, eligible concession card holders will need to provide one of the following:

  • Pension Concession Card
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card
  • DVA Gold, White or Orange Card
  • Health Care Card
  • Low Income Health Card

If you are eligible, you may receive:

  • 1 pack per patient per day
  • (One pack per patient listed if multiple patients are on the concession card)
  • Up to 5 tests per month
  • Therefore, the maximum pack size for a single supply is 5 tests
  • Up to 10 tests in total until April 2022

This initiative is available at participating Amcal pharmacies and is dependent on stock availability. This is a Commonwealth Government initiative and details may change. For the latest information, including eligibility, please visit the Commonwealth Department of Health site here.

While Amcal teams are working hard to keep our communities safe, administer vaccines and maintain the general health and wellbeing of our customers in these very unusual times, stock of rapid antigen tests in our pharmacies may vary due to high demand. We thank you for your patience as we work together during this pandemic.

* Negative results do not exclude infection with COVID-19. For positive test results follow Department of Health guidelines. Available at selected pharmacies. Purchase limits may apply. Proof of eligibility for free tests for Commonwealth concession card holders is required, limits apply.

 

Advantages of a Home Nasab Swab Antigen Test

  • Does not require supervision of a Health Care Practitioner.
  • It can be used by people in the home, workplace or elsewhere by simple nasal swab sample.
  • It detects the protein (antigen) the COVID-19 virus generates which is consistent across all the different strains and variants.
  • Can be used within the first 7 days of symptom onset with a result generated between 10-15 minutes.

 

When to Use the Home Rapid Antigen Test

  • It is recommended for use within the first 7 days of symptom onset when the viral load is at its highest, or if you have been instructed to conduct a rapid antigen test.

How to Use:

  1. Use each test only ONE time
  2. Test within 7 days of onset of symptoms
  3. Children under 18 years should be tested by an adult or under adult supervision

 

Interpreting Results

Positive Reading

Two lines appear in the main window. Line in Control Region (C) and any visible line in Test Region (T). A very faint line in the Test region (T) is also still considered to be a positive result.

If a positive result is obtained, you should self isolate and check with your State or Territory Department of Health to determine what further action you need to take.

Negative Result

One line appears in Control Region (C) and no apparent line in Test Region (T).

Invalid Result

No line in Control Region (C), with or without a line in the Test Region (T).

  • Results from any test which has not produced a Control band at the specified read time must be discarded.
  • Please review the procedure and repeat with a new test.
  • If the problem persists, discontinue using the kit immediately and contact your supplier.

 

Disposal of Used Tests

Used rapid antigen test cassettes, swabs, buffer tubes, plastic gloves and all other items in contact with bodily fluids should be double-bagged in plastic, leak-proof bags and disposed in the normal household rubbish disposal.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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How does it work?

The COVID-19 rapid antigen test is a single-use test kit intended to detect COVID-19 antigen in a nasal swab. Refer to the test package insert for full details.

When should I use a RightSign Rapid antigen test?

Within the first 7 days of symptom onset, or if you have been instructed to conduct a rapid antigen test.

What do I do if the result is positive?

If you receive a positive result, follow local Department of Health guidelines in your State or Territory.