Rapid antigen tests are an option for businesses in their response to COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests offer a much faster turnaround than a laboratory PCR test (around 15 minutes compared to 2-5 days) and can provide an additional level of protection for a business’s workers, contacts, and customers.
They’re not mandatory and won’t be suitable for everyone. It’s up to you to choose whether you want to use rapid antigen tests in your business. Businesses need to pay for rapid antigen tests themselves.
From 1 December businesses that choose to use rapid antigen tests for surveillance testing will be able to directly source approved tests from the following authorised suppliers (all are nasal swabs):
- Roche Diagnostics NZ Ltd
- Abbott Rapid Diagnostics
- Pantonic Health (Australia) or Arrotex Pharmaceuticals (NZ) Limited
- EBOS Group Ltd.
From 15 December, if you don’t want to buy tests directly from these authorised suppliers you’ll be able to buy them from a local distributor. The Ministry of Health is currently working through the details of supply.
We recommend that businesses trial different tests before committing to buying one in bulk as there are differences in processes.
If you choose to use rapid antigen testing in your workplace, you need to follow health and safety guidance. General information on rapid antigen testing is available from the Ministry of Health website, which will be updated regularly.
For more information contact covid-19poc@health.govt.nz
SOURCE: Ministry of Health
