Rapid Antigen Tests
An RAT is designed to directly detect SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins (antigens) in respiratory specimens. Different brands of tests are available in the market. Most of them require nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples or deep throat saliva samples. The test is easy to perform.
How to choose RAT kits?
You can purchase RAT kits for voluntary testing. There is sufficient supply in the market, so please do not hoard. When choosing RAT kits from the market, you may make reference to the following lists:
- Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR: Listed Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19 under the Medical Device Administrative Control System
- National Medical Products Administration: List of approved medical devices for COVID-19 preventive and control uses (Chinese version only)
- European Union: Common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (Last updated on 26 July 2023)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: List of SARS-CoV-2 antigen diagnostic tests with Emergency Use Authorization
Or check out Consumer Council's dedicated webpage:
How to do an RAT?
Check out the demonstration video.
What if the test result is positive?
Please refer to Points to Note for Persons who Tested Positive.
What if the test result is negative?
You are likely not infected. However, RAT has its limitations in terms of sensitivity. A single negative RAT result cannot preclude the possibility that you have been infected but are in the period of incubation, or that you are at an early stage of infection. Please remain vigilant and take all anti-epidemic measures. If you have symptoms or high exposure risk, continue to get tested repeatedly within a short period of time and closely monitor your health conditions.