Where to buy rapid antigen tests online – and quickly
With low stock levels of RATs making them almost impossible to find in-store, heading to an online shop might be your best option.
Where to buy rapid antigen testing kits in Australia
- Clinical Supplies - In stock
- Rapid Proof - In stock
- Rapid Medical Supplies - In stock
- Rapid Antigen Australia - In stock
- HiCraft - In stock
- MedCart Australia - In stock
- Little Whales - In stock
- RabMed - In stock
- Home Diagnostics - In stock
- Virafree - In stock
- AUSTiC - In stock
- Fast Test Kits - In stock
- Naturalena Brands - In stock
- Healthy Life - In stock
- Catch - In stock
- eBay - In stock
- Amazon - In stock
- Rapid Antigen Tests Online - In stock
- Priceline - In stock
- Coles - In stock
Ever since rapid antigen tests (RATs) were introduced in Australia there has been overwhelming demand for them. With people starting to travel across state borders and overseas, or just wanting to know they are safe to mingle now that restrictions have eased, RATs have become a hot commodity.
So hot, in fact, they are almost impossible to find. Stock across supermarkets, chemists, and even service stations are flying off the shelves almost as soon as they are put there - and it’s looking like it’s going to be a few weeks yet until there will be better availability of stock.
While stores might be struggling to meet demand, there are still online providers that might be able to help. (And if you’re buying RATs because you have symptoms, heading in-store isn’t the best idea anyway.)
Unfortunately, right now no-one has stock for immediate delivery.
You can get tests delivered as early as 25 January if you order quickly, with the fastest providers dispatching tests in 6 to 10 days.
Express shipping is also available at an extra cost from some providers.
Compare rapid antigen tests now
You can compare providers of rapid antigen tests in the table below, with information on pricing, express delivery availability and the test types. Click on the ‘View details’ button to learn more about each supplier and their products.
Please note that the delivery estimates are best-case once retailers have stock, so you might be waiting a little longer than that right now.
Be careful! Things to check with rapid antigen tests
We're checking availability for RAT testing kits regularly but delivery times are subject to change. All tests sold in Australia must be approved by the TGA. Some sellers try and charge prices far above the average ("price gouging"). This isn't legal in Australia. Always consider your options carefully before buying.
Does your company belong in this list?
What the ACCC says about price gouging
"We are seeking information from suppliers about their costs and the current pricing of rapid antigen tests," ACCC chair Rod Sims said. "We are also asking them about their current stock levels, and the amounts on order, and about their expectations about when additional tests may become readily available to consumers.
"We are also contacting major retailers and pharmacies seeking similar information and reminding them that they need to be able to substantiate any claims they make to consumers about the reason for higher prices."
The ACCC investigation is likely to take some time. Availability has also been impacted by reduced staff numbers across the supply chain, with delivery companies also being impacted by staff shortages.
About rapid antigen tests
Unlike a PCR test, rapid antigen tests can be done by yourself at home and don't need to be sent off to a laboratory. Everything you need is included in the box. Results typically show up within 15 minutes, similar to a home pregnancy test.
Rapid antigen tests are cheaper and faster than a PCR test but they are also less accurate. If you test positive for COVID-19 after taking a rapid antigen test you may still need a PCR. Refer to your state government's regulations, as some now require you to lodge your positive RAT result.
When purchasing a rapid antigen test online, ensure that the product has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for inclusion in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). You can find a list of approved tests on the TGA website.
Unsure about what to do? Learn more about how COVID-19 testing works.
