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Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the easiest way to test for COVID-19.
You should get a test:
- if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they’re very mild
- if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
- before visiting a hospital, aged care facility, or disability care facility
- before visiting elderly people, people with disability or people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
COVID-19 can spread before you have symptoms. You can protect others by checking that you are negative before you leave home.
Where to get rapid antigen tests (RATs)
Free RATs are available from your local council, so now all Victorians can plan ahead by keeping some at home for testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
You can also buy RATs at supermarkets, pharmacies, and other retailers.
Free RATs at your local council
Most local councils in are offering free rapid antigen tests (RATs).
At your local council, you can collect:
- 2 packs of 5 RATs
- an extra 2 packs for each person in your household
- people with disability and their carers can get 4 packs of 5 RATs per person.
You are not required to have a Medicare card.
Contact your local council to find out where you can get RAT tests. You do not need to be a resident in the council area in which you are collecting tests.
You can collect RATs as many times as you need. If you run out of RATs, you can collect more to make sure you are prepared.
You should not go to a council site if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
After your rapid antigen test (RAT)
Positive result
A positive result has a red line next to both the C and T markers the T marker line might be pale or very dark. Either way, it is a positive result and you're a COVID-19 case.
If your RAT is positive:
- follow the Checklist for COVID-19 cases, including staying home for at least 5 days or until you don’t have symptoms anymore
- check if you are eligible for COVID-19 medicines.
Negative result
A negative result has a red line next to the C marker and no line next to the T marker.
If your RAT is negative and you have symptoms:
- stay home until your symptoms go away
- take a RAT each day over the next several days while you have symptoms
- RATs can detect COVID-19 more easily when repeated over successive days but will not detect other respiratory viruses, such as influenza
- if your symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance.
If you need a letter or other document of your result (such as for travel, medical, work, or educational purposes) you should contact a GP.
PCR testing
To get a PCR test:
- Visit your . They will decide if you need a PCR test based on your symptoms and medical conditions. They may give you a referral to a pathology collection centre.
- If you have a referral from your GP, go to a pathology collection centre. Your GP should be able to tell you where your closest one is. Don’t forget to take the referral from your GP with you.
You may need to pay for your PCR test.
If you are eligible for COVID-19 medicine and you have symptoms, see a GP about a PCR test, even if your RAT result is negative. This is so you can get any help you need as quickly as possible. You should start taking COVID-19 antiviral medicine within 5 days of your symptoms starting.
After your PCR test
Go straight home and wait for your results. Your doctor or the clinic where you were tested will contact you by phone or SMS to tell you your results, regardless of if it is positive or negative.
You should get your test results within 2 days of being tested, but it sometimes takes longer. Contact your testing provider if you have not received your test results after 3 days.
If your PCR test is positive:
- follow the Checklist for COVID-19 cases, including staying home for at least 5 days or until you don’t have symptoms anymore
- check if you are eligible for COVID-19 medicines.
If your PCR test is negative:
- you should stay home until your symptoms go away to avoid spreading your illness.
Where to get help
- Call the National Coronavirus Helpline if you have any questions about COVID-19 on 1800 020 080. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
