What is the difference between a self-test and a point-of-care test?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the sale and marketing of COVID-19 Rapid Antigent Tests (RAT) in Australia. Technically the kits test for SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
Self tests are approved by the TGA for home use by anybody.
Point of care tests are approved by the TGA only for use by relevant practitioners, or persons under their supervision, who are trained in the correct use of the tests and interpretation of test results.
Please check the TGA website information of COVID-19 point of care tests.
Who are relevant practitioners?
COVIDtest is not equiped or authorised to provide advice on your individual circumstances. The following general and non-specific discussion is to help you find your own answers.
At the time of writing, a point of care rapid antigen test can be supplied to
- a health practioner within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, or
- a paramedic, or
- organisations, businesses or institutions that employs or engages them to perform or supervise the test.
Note the TGA explicity states that the device must not be supplied for the purpose of self-testing.