Scan to download the Finder app on iOS or Android

With COVID-19 continuing to permeate throughout Australia, rapid antigen tests (RATs) continue to play a significant role in our lives. When looking to purchase RATs, you can either go for a nasal or oral option. So which test method is the easiest and most pleasant to use?

To find out, we conducted a hands-on comparison of the JusChek brand of nasal swab and oral fluid RAT kit. Here are our findings.

Note: The comparison deals only with the question of ease of use and comfort. This article makes no attempt to tackle questions of scientific efficacy or accuracy. The most important thing when purchasing RATs is to ensure the brand is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

First, let's take a look at the commonalities between both of these RAT kits. In using both RATs, I felt confident that I was given the tools to conduct an effective test. Like other RATs, these JusChek kits involve collecting a sample, mixing it with buffer liquid and adding it to a test device to produce a result.

In both cases, the illustrated instructions provided on the back of the box were adequate in informing me how to perform the test. Both boxes included pamphlets with more detailed instructions and even include a QR code to take you to a video instructing how to use the test. In both cases, test results were easy to interpret.

As with most RAT kits, reliable results appear in around 15 minutes.

As most of us are aware, nasal rapid antigen tests involve inserting a swab around 2cm up both nostrils to collect a sample, in the same manner as PCR tests. This JusChek test calls upon users to twist and rub the swab against their nasal wall 5–10 times. It's not a very pleasant experience and there's no doubt that the oral fluid test is more comfortable.

JusChek tests provide a hole in the box where you can place the collection tube to make processes like filling it with the buffer liquid easier. In the JusChek test I used, the collection tube did not fit very well into the hole provided, causing it to tilt. However, the tube is so tall relative to the fluid that goes into it that it isn't a huge issue.

JusChek kits also require you to fit a tip onto the tube before dripping the solution onto the test device. The nasal kit I tested had a screw-on tip, which I found very easy to use. The oral fluid test had a tube tip that simply had to be pushed into the tube, which was a slightly trickier process, especially because if you are to spill the contents of the tube, the test kit is wasted.

There are different ways RAT tests collect oral fluid. This JusChek kit requires you to fit a funnel onto a collection tube and spit into it. For many consumers, this is a vastly preferable method to collecting a nasal swab.

Others may find the process of spitting into a test tube – and analysing the results to make sure the fluid reaches the scale line – a bit gross, for lack of a better term. Really, it's all just a matter of preference. Would you rather go through the discomfort and inevitable sneezing of a nasal swab? Or the possibly unsettling process of an oral fluid collection?

Oral fluid collection also requires a bit more background work. You can't put anything in your mouth for 10 minutes before the test, including food, drinks or gum, and you have to cough 3–5 times before spitting into the tube. It's not too taxing, but it's worth considering compared to the more simple process of the nasal kit.

Are nasal swab RATs your preference? Here are the best vendors for purchasing them.

Grab 5 Cellife nasal tests on Medmate to keep you and your family safe.

Get next-day shipping on these high sensitivity tests.

Get same-day dispatch and free express shipping on orders over $100 on Rapid Medical Supplies.

Prefer to keep your nose untouched? Pick up some oral fluid RAT kits from these retailers.

If you like what you read about the JusChek oral fluid tests in this article, grab this 5-pack from Rapid Medical Supplies.

This is a different type of oral fluid test and simply requires you to rub a collection pad around your mouth to collect a sample.

Get major quantity discounts on COVID tests from HiCraft.

Check out our guide to the cheapest RATs in Australia.

Earn up to 6.01% p.a. on your capital.

Compare, cut costs and connect faster.

With the cost of living rising, how can you get more in your pocket?

You could save $1,046 in fees by choosing a cheaper platform.

Click here to cancel reply.

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

Level 10, 99 York St, Sydney , NSW , Australia 2000

Finder acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.

Disclaimer - Hive Empire Pty Ltd (trading as finder.com.au, ABN: 18 118 785 121) provides factual information, general advice and services on financial products as a Corporate Authorised Representative (432664) of Advice Evolution Pty Ltd AFSL 342880. Please refer to our FSG - Financial Products. We also provide general advice on credit products under our own Credit Licence ACL 385509. Please refer to our Credit Guide for more information. We can also provide you with general advice and factual information on about a range of other products, services and providers. We are also a Corporate Authorised Representative of Countrywide Insurance Group Pty Ltd trading as "Austbrokers Countrywide" ABN 51 586 953 292 AFSL No. 511363 for the provision of general insurance products. Please refer to our FSG - General Insurance. We hope that the information and general advice we can provide will help you make a more informed decision. We are not owned by any Bank or Insurer and we are not a product issuer or a credit provider. Although we cover a wide range of products, providers and services we don't cover every product, provider or service available in the market so there may be other options available to you. We also don't recommend specific products, services or providers. If you decide to apply for a product or service through our website you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product or service and not with us. We endeavour to ensure that the information on this site is current and accurate but you should confirm any information with the product or service provider and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) or the information they can provide. If you are unsure you should get independent advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan. (c) 2021.

Finder Earn and Finder's digital asset trading is powered by Finder Wallet Pty Ltd (ABN 11 149 012 653) an AUSTRAC registered Digital Currency Exchange and reporting entity (DCE100735494-001). Finder Wallet is an arm of the Finder Group specialising in blockchain technology. Finder Wallet operates the Finder App’s digital asset trading and wallet services. Finder Earn, powered by Finder Wallet Pty Ltd, is not offered under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Finder Wallet Pty Ltd is not a bank and does not offer banking services. Banks are covered by a Government Deposit Guarantee. Finder Wallet's services are not covered by the Australian Government Guarantee on Deposits.

*6.01% p.a. is made up of 4.01% p.a. base rate and a 2% bonus rate. The bonus 2% p.a. will be paid out daily on Earn balances that hold 10,000 TAUD or more throughout the promotion period from 4 May 2022 until 11:00 am on Friday 1 July 2022. The bonus rate will apply to the entire balance.

Optional, only if you want us to follow up with you.

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We compare from a wide set of banks, insurers and product issuers. We value our editorial independence and follow editorial guidelines.

finder.com.au has access to track details from the product issuers listed on our sites. Although we provide information on the products offered by a wide range of issuers, we don't cover every available product or service.

Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan.

Products marked as 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money here.

When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labelling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.

Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.