Australians will be able to pick up a rapid antigen test for three viruses in one go, after it was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA).
The device will be able to pick up COVID-19, influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is another contagious respiratory virus.
Like the COVID-19 tests, only one swap is needed and the results will appear in 15 minutes.
Manufacture Touch Biotechology’s Steven Quinlan said they had a 98 per cent accuracy and sensitivity for the test.
“Within the next few months of releasing this test it will be checked again to see if they are still maintaining the level of accuracy,” Quinlan said.
It can detect influenza A and B, which are the most common causes of flu in the country.
Data is showing cases of the flu are surging.
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Experts say numbers are tracking the same path as 2019, which is one of the worst flu seasons on record.
“A test that can pick up all three will be a really big help in working to control all three viruses this year,” infectious disease physician Paul Griffin said.
“I do think it’s likely that we’ll see all three viruses co-circulate in significant numbers this year,” he said.
A single test will cost $17 and a five-pack will cost $64.
It will be available for everyone over the age of four in chemists, supermarkets and online over the next few weeks.
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