The national medical regulator is considering approving the first rapid PCR testing technology in Australia, set to allow on-site COVID-19 tests in aged care, prisons and a range of other workplaces.
The shoe box-sized kit can detect every published COVID-19 gene and all known virus variants including omicron. It can also detect influenza A, B and RSV. Leading Age Services Australia and Aged Care Services Australia this week asked Health Minister Greg Hunt to support use of the kits in Australia.said on-site rapid testing in aged care settings was urgently needed as part of Australia’s COVID-19 reopening.
A report into the trial said portable rapid testing technology could minimise the risk of COVID-19 spread in aged care settings, reduce demands on critical workforces and allow more effective management of staff.