Combined RATs now available in pharmacies

A new multi-virus rapid antigen test (RAT) is now available in pharmacies, after receiving approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Created by Sydney company, Touch Biotechnology (TouchBio), the new combined RAT – the SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B Antigen Combo Test (Self-Testing) Kit – is said to have more than 98% sensitivity and enables people to test for all three virus strains at the same time.

The combined RAT has people identify their symptoms within 15 minutes, get a consultation from a health professional for the right treatment, and make timely decisions about their interactions in the community.

“Australians want to enjoy their freedoms over the summer months and spend long overdue time with friends and family,” the General Manager of TouchBio, Mazz Gencer, said.

“It is timely with increased COVID cases across Australia and off the back of the worst flu season in five years that people can now purchase the new Combo Test (Self-Testing) Kit from selected pharmacies.”

People are recommended to take a TouchBio SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B Antigen Combo Test (Self-Testing) Kit when they feel unwell, have any symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, or Influenza A or B viruses.

In collaboration with national wholesalers and distributors such as Symbion, TouchBio Combo Kits can now be purchased from selected stores of Terry White Chemmart, Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, and more.

The TouchBio SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B Antigen Combo Test (Self-Testing) Kit carries the unique official TGA number of ARTG 395591 and has Very High Sensitivity for the Flu & Covid.