New South Wales is home to coastal cities, national parks, and iconic infrastructure. And just like the rest of the world, it is experiencing a new normal in the midst of the pandemic.
In the age of COVID, knowledge is key. And aside from staying knowledgeable on updates on COVID cases, variants, and restrictions, it's also important to know about your own health condition. At the start of the pandemic, PCR tests were considered the gold standard.
And while research still shows that PCR tests offer the most accurate results, these testing kits are expensive and can be hard to find. The alternative to most residents is rapid antigen testing kits. These kits are more affordable, accessible, and you can conduct the test without the help of a health professional or health practitioner.
Clinical Supplies offers a wide range of rapid antigen test kits for residents of NSW. With these self-tests, people can go about their normal life without the fear of infecting others.
If you're looking to buy rapid antigen tests for your home, then look no further than Clinical Supplies. We stock up on many approved COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for citizens to self-test and learn about their COVID status.

Who Should Use COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits?

The first positive case in Australia was reported in January 2020, and up until today, residents and many businesses are affected by the various public health orders in NSW.
Testing and determining COVID hotspots is a crucial method of containing and controlling the spread of the virus. NSW health orders consist of mask and testing requirements for citizens, which means there are many people who will need to buy rapid antigen tests for their households.
Here are some of the key persons who will need to use Rapid antigen tests on themselves;

People Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms

If you're experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 such as a sore throat, loss of taste and smell, or fever it's crucial to self-isolate and use an antigen test on yourself as soon as possible. That way, if you are positive, you reduce the risk of spreading the disease to high-risk citizens.
An antigen test is a quick way to determine your health status, especially for those with symptoms. And if a PCR test is hard to find or inaccessible at the moment, a rapid antigen test is your next best option.

People Who Wish To Travel

Many countries and locations require a negative test COVID test or PCR test results before they allow people to enter. In Australia, international travellers are required to submit a negative antigen test result before they are allowed entry into Australia, and the same goes for many other countries.

Persons Looking To Learn Their COVID Status

If you were exposed to someone who received a positive result or you were in a high-risk area, getting a rapid antigen testing program for home use is a good idea. By staying aware of your COVID status, you keep yourself and the people around you safe.
So, if you have been exposed to a positive case or live with high-risk individuals, regular rapid antigen testing is a great way to stay safe. And since these testing kits cost less than a traditional PCR test, it is easier for individuals to regularly test themselves and keep a log of their results.

How To Use a Rapid Antigen Testing Kit

When you buy a rapid antigen testing kit, you need to practice the appropriate testing procedure to ensure an accurate result. The rapid antigen test kits we supply at Clinal Supplies usually contain detailed instructions on how to use them.
And to help you out further, here are the steps to accurately self-testing yourself using a rapid antigen testing kit;

Prepare the Testing Area

First, you need to prepare a safe and sanitised space for testing yourself with a rapid antigen testing kit.

Collect the Sample

From there, open the kit and collect the sample. Some rapid antigen testing kits require saliva samples, while some require nasal samples using a swab. Either way, read the instructions on the testing kit thoroughly for the best results.

Add the Buffer to the Tube

Some test kits already have the buffer in the tube. If not, then add the appropriate amount of buffer to the tube after collecting the sample.

Add Sample To Buffer Then Place It On the Cassette

Once the sample is collected, you can add the sample into the buffer tube and mix it around for 15 seconds. From there, you can place 3-5 drops of the sample to the cassette at a 90-degree angle.

Wait for the Results

After placing the sample on the cassette, the next step is to wait. If you test positive for COVID-19 then the cassette will show two lines. For negative tests, there will only be one line.
Anyone who has tested positive in Australia is required to self-isolate right away. From there, you can contact the National Coronavirus Help Hotline for support and advice on what to do while isolating. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, contact a doctor or medical services as soon as possible.