The COVID-19 testing process an epidemiologist says ‘we really need to move to’

A leading epidemiologist says PCR tests for COVID-19 should be replaced with rapid antigen tests (RAT) in some circumstances, but rapid tests must be made more accessible first.

With PCR testing facilities overwhelmed, there are calls for Australia to follow the lead of other countries which have already shifted to a combined PCR and RAT testing.

Epidemiologist and Head of the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at Melbourne, Nancy Baxter, says Australia has a greater PCR testing capacity than many other countries so “we’ve kind of gotten used to that being the only way we can test”.

But she says that should change.

“If you have symptoms you need a PCR test, but a lot of people are doing the PCR test because they’re travelling, or because they’re a close contact but don’t have symptoms, or sometimes for reassurance, and that really we need to move to rapid antigen tests,” Professor Baxter told Shane McInnes, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Rapid antigen testing must also be made more accessible for the combined model to work.

“We can’t do it if people are having to go to the chemist, they go and they’re sold out, or someone who doesn’t have the means can’t do it at all because they can’t afford it,” Professor Baxter said.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the COVID-19 testing changes Professor Baxter recommends