Australians may soon be able to take a two-in-one quick antigen test at home to identify both influenza and Covid.
But it won't be available this year, as the country braces for a brutally harsh winter and a terrifying flu season.
Roche has already introduced a combination test for healthcare professionals.
It provides precise results in under 30 minutes, and the company has created a prototype for a similar over-the-counter device.
The test can distinguish between Covid, Influenza A, and Influenza B in addition to detecting whether each virus is present.
Roche Diagnostics managing director Allison Rossiter said the business was eager to make the test available to Australians, but that it will not be ready in time for the flu season.