Discount pharmacy brand, Discount Drug Stores (DDS), is now offering Certified Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) in-store, priced at $35.
The service is available via appointment for asymptomatic customers who require proof of a negative Covid-19 result for workplaces, aged care facilities or for travel purposes.
Patients will receive a TGA-approved RAT as part of the service, which is either administered or supervised by a pharmacist in-store to reduce the risk of an invalid test.
Upon the return of a negative result, patients are issued a printed certificate as proof of pharmacist certification.
“Introducing Certified Rapid Antigen Tests means our pharmacies and their customers have the support and tools they need as the Covid-19 landscape moves away from PCR testing,” says Chief Pharmacist of Sigma Healthcare, Brinley Hosking.
“The service builds on DDS’ existing suite of convenient and affordable health offerings to provide value to our customers, nationwide.”
DDS will begin offering Certified RATs from this week, with the new service expected to increase opportunities for pharmacist interaction with patients.
“We’re dedicated to making affordable healthcare accessible to every Australian and being one of the first to market with certified RATs is just one of the ways we’re upholding that promise to our customers,” says Head of DDS, Patrick Stoll.
“We’ve been working closely with the DDS National Council to ensure this service drives patient engagement opportunities in-store while providing a consistent and simple customer experience that is true to who we are as a brand.
“The health services team has been preparing our pharmacies for the introduction of this service with guidelines on customer bookings, the testing process, and procedures for a positive test result.”
