What is Pluslife?
Pluslife is a portable machine that can test for Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, within 10 - 35 minutes with result accuracy comparable to a PCR.
What is Pluslife?
Pluslife is a portable machine that can test for Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, within 10 - 35 minutes with result accuracy comparable to a PCR.
Accuracy
A study published in June 2024 found the overall accuracy to be 99.68%.
Another study published in November 2023 found the tests to have an accuracy of - 98.3% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity.
Pool Testing
It's possible to test multiple people with one test. Each person uses an individual swab which can then be processed one by one in a single test solution.
A maximum of 3-4 people is recommended for pool testing, keeping in mind the more people tested can increase the possibility of invalid or less accurate results.
You need to purchase extra swabs for pool testing. Test kits come with 'Copan FLOQswab 502C' swabs for each individual tests. It is recommended to use this exact type of swab for the most accurate results. Swabs from RATs for example are not recommended to be used as they are made from a less sturdy material and can disintegrate in the solution.
More accurate results
A group called virus.sucks have created an app, which can detect an infection earlier than just relying on the machine results alone.
From the virus.sucks website:
'The app can be connected to the device via Bluetooth or USB-C and works on Windows, macOS, ChromeOS or Linux in Chrome, Edge, Vivaldi and other Chromium-based browsers.
Only Bluetooth works on smartphones. On iOS, the Bluefy browser is required.'
A helpful document for interpreting the results from the app can be viewed here.
Free Westside COVID testing service
Mask bloc west has some capacity to trial administering contactless pay-as-you-can PCR-like COVID testing in West Footscray on a Pluslife machine.
Due to limited capacity and tests we are offering this for people who are symptomatic or think they have been exposed to COVID.
Free Westside COVID testing service
Mask bloc west has some capacity to trial administering contactless pay-as-you-can PCR-like COVID testing in West Footscray on a Pluslife machine.
Due to limited capacity and tests we are offering this for people who are symptomatic or think they have been exposed to COVID.
How it works
1. DM us on instagram for our Signal contact info
2. Message us on Signal that you would like a test, approx times you are available to come by and swab yourself/collect the swab and any access needs.
3. A cooler box with swabs will be placed in a private residence in West Footscray (100m from a bus stop and parking and 800m from a train station). The box will be outdoors.
Inside the box there will be unopened swabs and a cup for you to place the sampled swab. You can do the swab at the location, in your car or get someone to collect the swab and cooler for you and bring it back.
4. Message us on Signal when you are finished and the swab is ready. We will then process the test and message you the results within 1-6 hours.
Note: Please don't eat/drink/chew/smoke/vape/use mouthwash or nasal sprays at least 1 hour before being tested, as this can result in invalid or inaccurate results. Acidic foods are especially advised to be avoided.
Please wear an N95/P2 mask when not doing the swab. Free masks will be available in the box.
Swabbing Instructions
No eating, drinking, smoking/vaping, chewing gum or using mouthwash or nasal sprays at least 1 hour before doing the swab.
Blow your nose - we don't want any boogers on the swab! Mucus and blood can create invalid results. Don't swab your nose if there's any blood.
Wash/clean your hands with hand sanitiser if possible.
Open swab
Swab both mouth and nostrils following the instructions below in either order you prefer:
How to swab nostrils:
PCR tests
GP
You can still get a bulk-billed COVID-19 PCR test at pathology testing sites (see below). You will need a medicare card and a doctor's referral. This should usually include testing for Influenza A, B & RSV, but your doctor will need to request this on your referral.
PCR tests
GP
You can still get a bulk-billed COVID-19 PCR test at pathology testing sites (see below). You will need a medicare card and a doctor's referral. This should usually include testing for Influenza A, B & RSV, but your doctor will need to request this on your referral.
InstantScripts
If it is difficult to access a bulk-billed PCR pathology referral through your GP, you may request one online via Instant Scripts ($24). A valid Medicare or IHI number is required to access most services through InstantScripts. A COVID-19 PCR test referral via Instant Scripts includes testing for Influenza A, B & RSV.
SISTR
You can also request a COVID-19 PCR pathology referral online via SISTR. This service also includes testing for Influenza A, B and RSV.
Medicare Card Holders: $25
Non-Medicare Card Holders: $115
Westside PCR testing locations
Melbourne Pathology
North Melbourne (COVID testing only)
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)
RATs (Rapid Antigen Tests) are the least reliable out of all available methods for detecting a positive COVID infection, but they are the quickest and most readily accessible.
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)
RATs (Rapid Antigen Tests) are the least reliable out of all available methods for detecting a positive COVID infection, but they are the quickest and most readily accessible.
The mask bloc usually has a supply of RATs on hand, please contact us through our instagram or email if you would like to access these.
We have small capacity to drop off if you're located in the Western suburbs of Naarm. You can also access RAT tests via our new public pick up location:
2/11 Vipont Street Footscray
Mondays 9-5pm, Tuesdays 9-5.30pm
and Thursdays 9-2.30pm.
How to get the most out of your RATs
don't take one negative result from a RAT as an all-clear. a single RAT has very low accuracy of detection (around 20-30% accuracy). take two tests spread 48 hours apart (at least). doing multiple RATs at 48-hour intervals increases the chance of accurate detection.
swab both your throat and nose - see a detailed step by step on best swabbing practices below.
try and stick to the brands known for high sensitivity, and avoid the ones with low sensitivity - check out our shortlist of some of the more accurate RAT brands available in 'australia'.
Shortlist of the best* RAT brands available in 'australia', where to buy them:
* information compiled from TGA website ‘COVID-19 rapid antigen self-tests that are approved in Australia’ with a clinical sensitivity rating of ‘very high sensitivity.’ and paper ‘Comparison of the analytical sensitivity of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Australia and Canada’ by Toft et al. 2024
How to do a throat and nose swab:
don't drink, eat, chew gum, smoke, or vape for at least 30 minutes before testing
blow your nose thoroughly & wash your hands
sources:
Clean Air Club post: Covid test sensitivity.
Free Westside COVID testing service by MBW