RAT accuracy to detect variants largely untested, TGA admits
A virologist says it is 'disgusting' that people are forced to rely on tests that may give false results
Just three COVID-19 rapid self-tests have received the public tick of approval so far in a TGA-commissioned independent analysis of their accuracy.
The planned checks are being hampered by complex logistics and, in some cases, lack of co-operation from manufacturers, the TGA says.
With more than 45 tests approved for patients to buy in supermarkets and pharmacies, the wait for validation results to be publicly available is “disgusting”, says one virologist.
“We’re relying on rapid antigen tests (RATs) to determine if people are infectious before they go into hospital or into aged care,” said Associate Professor Ian Mackay, from the University of Queensland.
