Dr Mark Wenitong explains how to use a saliva rapid antigen test (RAT)

In this video, Dr Mark Wenitong explains how to use a saliva rapid antigen test (RAT).
Transcript:
Hi, I’m Dr Mark Wenitong,
and I want to show all you Mob the right way to use a Rapid Antigen Test - or RAT Test - to check to see if you have COVID-19.
If you’ve been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or you have symptoms like fever or cough, it’s good to test to see if you have COVID.
A RAT can be an easy way to see whether or not you have COVID and you can do the test yourself without a doctor, in the comfort of your own home, and get the results in just 10 to 20 minutes.
You can buy RATs from your local pharmacy, supermarket and lots of other retail stores,
as well as online.
You can also check on your state or territory health department website.
If you have a valid Commonwealth concession card you may be eligible to receive up to 10 free RATs,
over 3 months from a participating community pharmacy.
There are a few different types of RAT kits available - but the three most common are -
one that tests the spit from your mouth, one that you suck like a lollipop, and one that takes a sample from your nose.
Remember, no matter what test you have, before you start, wash your hands....
… and make sure you have a watch or timer handy.
If you’re using a RAT that tests your spit you’ll find
A strip that will show you if you have COVID-19 or not
A tube
A mouth piece to spit in
A lid
A small pack with a liquid called the buffer
First, attach the mouth piece and squeeze the tube in the middle.
Spit into the mouth piece.
Stop squeezing the tube.
Then take the mouth piece off.
Open the pack with the buffer and pour it into the tube, making sure not to get any of it on your skin or eyes.
Put the lid on the tube and squeeze the bottom part 10 to 15 times.
Get the strip that will show you if you have COVID-19.
It has a small round circle at the bottom.
Squeeze two drops from the tube onto the circle and set your timer for 15 minutes.
Then, you wait.
No matter what type of test you use, once your timer is up, check the strip to see what it says.
Make sure you do it straight away, as it can be inaccurate if you leave it too long.
One RAT even has a torch to help you read the strip.
If you see a line next to the C, you don’t have COVID-19.
If you see a line next to the C and the T, you are positive for COVID-19.
If you only see one line next to the letter T, or no lines at all, your test didn’t work and you’ll need to do another test.
If you do test positive remember to isolate tell everyone you’ve been in touch with in the past few days that you’ve tested positive, and let your state or territory know your results.
If you’re worried about your symptoms, or if you have other health conditions call the National Coronavirus Helpline or speak to your healthcare worker.
So remember, if you need to test yourself for COVID-19, get a RAT.
It’s easy and will help keep all us Mob safe.
If you need to know more, have a yarn with your local healthcare worker or visit health.gov.au.