Rapid antigen tests

The NSW Government wrote this fact sheet.

When you see the word ‘we’, it means the NSW Government. 

We have written this fact sheet in an easy to read way. 

We use pictures to explain some information.

We have written some words in bold.

This means the letters are thicker and darker.

We explain what these words mean.

You can ask for help to read this fact sheet. 
A friend, family member or support person
may be able to help you.  

A rapid antigen test is a fast way to check if
you have COVID-19. 

You can do a rapid antigen test at home. 

You can buy rapid antigen tests at:

• pharmacies

• supermarkets.  

You can do a rapid antigen test if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

A symptom is a sign that you might be sick.

You might:

• see symptoms
• feel symptoms.

We have Easy Read information
about COVID-19 symptoms on our website.

www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/support/easy-read/symptoms

​​​​​​​

You should also do a rapid antigen test if:

• someone you live with has COVID-19

• you spent a lot of time with someone who has COVID-19.

You can also do a rapid antigen test if you’re
going somewhere:

• with lots of people

• where people might be at high risk of catching COVID-19.

Each rapid antigen test comes with instructions about how to do the test.

A family member or carer can help you:
 

• read the information
• do the test.

You will get your rapid antigen test result in about 15 minutes.

If your rapid antigen test says you have 
COVID-19, tell your doctor.

Your doctor can help you get medicine if you need it.

A family member or carer can help
you tell us you have COVID-19.

A PCR (nose and throat swab) test is a way to check if you have COVID-19.

You need a form from your doctor to get a PCR test.

To get a PCR test, you will need to take your form to a clinic to get tested there.

A health care worker does the test for you.

You should contact your doctor for advice if you are at high risk of catching COVID-19.

They might ask you to get a PCR test.

If they do, they will give you a form.

You will need to take this form to a clinic to get tested there.

We have Easy Read information about PCR tests on our website.

• https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/support/easy-read/pcr-test 

The Disability Gateway has Easy Read information about getting a COVID-19 test.

• https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/
  sites/default/files/documents/2021-02/191-coronavirus-getting-test.pdf

You can call the Service NSW COVID-19
Helpline.

13 77 88

You can go to our website.

www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19