They can provide clinical advice and treatment if needed. These tests are carried out by health professionals or trained people working under supervision. However, some schools and workplaces test regularly to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak and use rapid antigen point-of-care testing. The test you do at home is known as a rapid antigen self-test. What's point-of-care testing, and antibody self-tests? It's important to follow the instructions on the packaging to get an accurate result. You can do the test at home without a doctor. RATs return a result within 10 to 20 minutes. RATs can be used anywhere - such as at home or at work - without the supervision of a health practitioner. RATs are more accurate when people have symptoms, so it’s better to take the test in the first 7 days of having symptoms. Rapid antigen tests, or RATs, detect the presence of proteins of the virus. Nucleic acid tests are complicated to do and usually need to be done by specialists in a laboratory. PCR tests are good at detecting the virus early in the infection, sometimes before a person develops any symptoms. These tests detect the presence of the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Polymerase chain reaction tests - PCR tests - are a type of nucleic acid test. The call handler will tell you whether you’re able to have a COVID-19 PCR test at your home. Call 1800 643 787, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (AET), except on national public holidays. If you cannot leave your home because you have a disability and need a PCR test, you can call the Disability Gateway helpline. If you are part of a priority group, you can get one at a state- or territory-run COVID-19 testing centre.įor more information about state and territory PCR testing arrangements, visit: You can also get a PCR test at a GP-led respiratory clinic. If you need a PCR test, you can get one through your doctor or nurse who can request one for you. See the TGA’s list of approved tests here, including links to videos on how to use each test. Only use tests that have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can get rapid antigen tests (RATs) online or at pharmacies and retail outlets. Where do I get a COVID-19 test? Rapid antigen tests You should get a PCR test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and you’re at risk of severe COVID-19 illness, or if you tested positive on a RAT and you need a PCR test to confirm your result. Check the rules and recommendations in your state or territory. You may need to report a RAT positive result. Read more about recommendations for COVID-19 close contacts here.
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