Rapid Antigen Tests are a great way to keep your team safe – and they are now officially available for private use across New Zealand, making access easier than ever for business owners.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)?
A Rapid Antigen Test is a fast and simple test that can indicate if someone is likely to have COVID-19. While some Rapid Antigen Tests need to be overseen by a health professional, others can be conducted at home, at the workplace or in private.
What are the benefits of Rapid Antigen Tests? And why should I consider using them in my business?
Rapid Antigen Tests are recommended for keeping your team as safe as possible during their return to the office.
- They are easy and safe to use.
- They are a relatively low-cost solution to minimising the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
- Results are returned within minutes.
- Frequent Rapid Antigen Testing (2-3 times per week) can identify COVID-19 infections in people who might be asymptomatic at the time, preventing mass outbreaks in the workplace.
- They minimise the amount of time you and/or your team spend away from the business, seeking out precautionary standard PCR tests.
- With a vast number of Australians feeling nervous and/or anxious amidst their return to work due to the current COVID-19 climate, providing Rapid Antigen Test access to employees may boost employee confidence in returning to the office.
It’s also important to note that while Rapid Antigen Tests are a reliable way of monitoring and protecting your business against COVID-19, they should not replace other safety measures such as hand sanitisers, masks and social distancing. If you are considering introducing a Rapid Antigen Testing program into your business, we’d recommend considering how it will fit into your overall COVID-19 management plan.
What is the difference between a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and a PCR?
While Rapid Antigen Tests can be trusted to detect most cases of COVID-19, they are not as accurate as the standard PCR test.
Research has shown that Rapid Antigen Tests are most reliable when used by someone who has symptoms of COVID-19, meaning asymptomatic cases may proceed into the workplace undetected if they have been tested using a Rapid Antigen Test, rather than a PCR test.
However (as mentioned in the sections above), more frequent Rapid Antigen Testing (2-3 times per week) will increase the likelihood of COVID-19 being detected in someone who is positive, but asymptomatic at the time of testing.
For more information or to find out how you can implement a robust rapid antigen testing program at your workplace, get in touch today.
