

It’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions. Some ask you to spit your saliva into a small testing tube. Some RAT kits ask you to collect the sample using a swab and rubbing the inside of your cheek. The test kits provide the swabs for collecting the samples. RAT tests require either a swab from your nose or saliva from your mouth. RAT tests can be done at home, and usually give a result in 15 to 20 minutes. The swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing, and you should have a result within 1 to 3 days. PCR tests are done by healthcare workers who take a swab from the back of your nose and throat. There are 2 types of tests used to diagnose COVID-19 in Australia: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs).Ī PCR test is the most reliable way to tell if you have COVID-19. you have been advised to do so by a health professionalĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker to find out if you need medical help.there is a new case in your household after you had previously isolated from your household or.you have been re-exposed to COVID-19 outside of your immediate household or.if you have recovered from COVID-19 and more than 28 days have passed after your release from isolation, and:.you have recovered from COVID-19 and develop new symptoms of COVID-19 after 28 days since you completed isolation or.you have been identified as a close contact, including if you live with someone who has COVID-19, have stayed overnight in the same place as someone who is positive with COVID-19 or had more than 4 hours of contact added together with a COVID-19 case in a residential setting or.you have symptoms of the illness - even if your symptoms are mild or.More about COVID-19 When should I get tested for COVID-19? Related information on Australian websites.What happens if my test is positive for COVID-19?.When will I get my COVID-19 PCR test results?.What do I need to do before I get tested?.

Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19. If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately.
