10 August, 2021
Due to limitations in sensitivity, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia remains concerned over the uncontrolled use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) in Australia and New Zealand whilst the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 remains generally low. However, the RCPA recognises that governments and public health authorities fighting localised outbreaks may need to use RATs for surveillance testing in defined circumstances, in addition to the more accurate mainstream molecular tests.
23 July, 2021
As more real-world evidence surrounding rapid antigen tests comes to light, the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia reaffirms its position against the widespread use of these tests in Australia and New Zealand, due to the limitations in their sensitivity. The RCPA strongly urges that careful consideration, further monitoring and evidence is required before considering the implementation of rapid antigen testing in both countries.
2 July, 2021
Pathology testing is a vital part of preventative healthcare such as screening tests, as well as for diagnosis and management of chronic diseases.
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2 July, 2021
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is once again reminding the community to be tested for COVID-19. This follows new market research* by the RCPA, which reveals that 64% of respondents in New Zealand chose not to get tested, despite experiencing cold and flu like symptoms within the past six months.
29 June, 2021
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is reinforcing its advice against the widespread use of rapid antigen test for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in Australia and New Zealand in the current context of low prevalence of COVID-19 infections. As outlined in an updated position statement, the RCPA states that rapid antigen tests have lower sensitivity and specificity than the current Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular tests, therefore have a relative increased chance of giving both false positive and false negative results.