“Subject to effectiveness against Delta,we would like to see these available by Christmas if not well before,” Mr Hunt said.
The Health Minister said rapid antigen testing (RAT) would “complement” the gold-standard PCR test and other public health measures.
“It’s an additional protection over and above the current testing,or the PCR,” Mr Hunt said.
“There had been some reluctance from some jurisdictions,for the simple reason that they were worried that positives may not be reported,and they were worried that it might not be as accurate as PCR. But the view is that it’s a complement to not a replacement for the PCR testing.”
In a statement,a TGA spokesperson said the regulator has started working on the steps that would allow the tests to be used in home settings. Those steps include making instructions more consumer-friendly.
“Home testing will require the support of the states and territories. At this stage the states have not supported the use of RAT in place of or in addition to PCR testing,” the spokesperson said.