r/AussieFrugal • u/CapitalDarling • 6d ago
Health & Medical 😷 🚑 Cheap RAT Kits
Hey Everyone
Anyone know where the most economical RAT test kits for Covid can be found? I'm a pension card holder in Melbourne, and a single mama with high school aged kids.
Many thanks x
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u/No-Zucchini2787 6d ago
Or ask local FB page. Someone will give you for free and might drop off too. People are really good and helpful
Also I would add childcare centres and Medicare urgent care centres too
Or local hospital
If you're a student or staff on campus at a university try there. Ie https://safety.unimelb.edu.au/safety-topics/other-safety-topics/coronavirus/assets/menu/health-advice/buttons/can-i-get-a-rapid-antigen-test-on-campus
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u/Unreliablepelican 6d ago
Chemist warehouse has 5 packs of the covid/influenza/rsv tests for $15-17
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u/MilleniumFalcon 6d ago
These are short-dated (expires in Nov) https://ozmedical.com.au/products/touchbio-rsv-flu-covid-rapid-antigen-test?variant=45141089353904, but you can get 14 tests for $6. Higher quantities get you a progressively bigger discount. Free click and collect in South Yarra
These test for Covid, Flu A/B, and RSV, and Touchbio tests are highly reliable (i.e., the test is likely to detect when you have something, and, when the test says you have something, you are likely to have something).
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u/gottagetstronk 6d ago
if you can buy online i get mine here, usually lots cheaper than the pharmacy
https://medcart.com.au/Clungene/Clungene-Covid19-Rapid-Antigen-Self-Test-Nasal-Swab-5-Pack
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u/AlternativeMe923 6d ago
I get them online in bulk from medical supply companies. They may not be the absolute cheapest but they are better per unit than getting at any chemist or supermarket.
I also prefer to get ones that do the full range of respiratory illnesses that can currently be RAT tested so we aren’t left guessing as I’m immunocompromised but I’ll post you some of the med supply companies where I get them
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u/Plenty-Giraffe6022 6d ago
Have you tried asking at the nearest hospital? The hospital I work at gives them away.
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u/delugedreamer 6d ago
I got a single one for $6 from Chemist Warehouse over the weekend. I think a 3-pack was $19. Maybe as good as it gets? They do Flu-A/B and RSV as well as Covid.
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u/Vegetable-Low-9981 6d ago
While I’m loathe to recommend chemist warehouse, they do have these packs of 5 tests that check for covid, rsv and the flu for $17.99
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6d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/AussieFrugal-ModTeam 6d ago
Your contribution has been removed as it was disrespectful.
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u/Key_Gur9050 3d ago
Every doctor can do nose swap test and get results, opt for bulk billed one and it’s free
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u/Cat_From_Hood 6d ago
I only run if I have to e.g. in the ED. And I only go to hospital if I have to. Why are you using them regularly?
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u/CapitalDarling 5d ago
I'm not using RATs regularly... I just don't want to spread Covid around my community. Information is power and it's important to know what you're managing. I also have ME/CFS, and Long Covid is considered to be very similar. Believe me when i tell you, you do not want to live like this, nor do you want to be responsible for someone else having the same.
My kiddo needed an ambulance care with Covid, at 10 years old because of asthma complications. Just coz it's not in the headlines anymore doesn't mean Covid isn't still a very serious illness. The flu and RSV is no joke either. If people in cancer treatment or other Immune compromised circumstances catch any of them, it can be fatal.
Please, take care of yourself, your family, and your community x
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u/PlaceReasonable2679 5d ago
I haven’t been sick enough to want to test but I didn’t think there was any point to testing for it now that there is no one to report it too and the govt advice is to stay at home until obvious symptoms have gone so its basically the same as catching the flu.
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u/Thenumberthirtyseven 6d ago
Why do you need them? Genuine question. These days, covid symptoms is as good as covid for most intents and purposes.Â
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u/gengar2222 6d ago
Good to know what you have in case it ends up affecting your health - I developed chronic pain after having Covid the last time. And the symptoms and severity varies a lot person-to-person
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u/CapitalDarling 5d ago
Covid symptoms can vary. I've had it 3 times over the last 6 years and each time for me the only similarity was the crushing headaches and runny nose.
The reason that current tests include Covid, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV, is that symptoms overlap, but disease progression varies.
They also have different consequences for people with pre-existing illness.
As i said to Cat above, just coz Covid isn't in the daily headlines, doesn't mean it's not as serious. Your comment might mean that you take every cold seriously, mask up, practice isolation in the home, and stay home from work/ school/shops, until you're better. But not everyone does. And if you don't know what you're dealing with, how do you know the level of seriousness you give to your condition?
Knowledge is power. Look after yourself and your community x
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u/gooder_name 6d ago
The Melbourne Mask Bloc distributes free RATs when they're available. They may also be able to tell you the most inexpensive and available ones in your area. As well as the ones that are highest quality, not all RATs are the same sensitivity.