Australian researchers have developed a rapid coronavirus test that could lead to the easing of restrictions and reopening of borders.
Scientists from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) say they have created a saliva test which can pick up COVID-19 viral fragments in less than 15 minutes.
At a cost of just $25, it’s hoped the antigen test could be rolled out on mass to boost virus detection and screen arriving international travellers.
Currently all testing for COVID-19 in Australia uses the standard PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, where samples are analysed in a laboratory over several hours.
However as it takes a while to process and requires an uncomfortable nasal swab, rapid tests are attracting increasing attention.
The test is still in early days of development and will start trials in Western Australia around Christmas.