How COVID-19 testing works

Find out if you need to take a PCR test for COVID-19, and what to do before and after a test.

Last updated: 27 January 2022

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Register a positive rapid antigen test result

Most people no longer need to get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are a household, social, workplace or education contact of a positive case.

Anyone who tests positive with a rapid antigen test must:

register their test result with Service NSW to understand their risk and access support from NSW Health
self-isolate and follow the NSW Health advice for testing positive.

Testing clinic capacity

Large volumes of COVID-19 PCR tests are currently being processed. NSW Health is working hard to meet testing demand and is increasing capacity where possible.

What to know about testing changes

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is a nose and throat swab test performed at a clinic to diagnose COVID-19.

Most people no longer need a PCR test to confirm they have COVID-19 in NSW. Before getting a PCR test, check which COVID-19 test you need.

Before your PCR (nose and throat swab) test

If you proceed with PCR testing, check the details of each testing clinic to confirm:

the opening hours
whether you need to make a booking
if children can be tested
whether a referral from your GP is required
there is wheelchair access if needed
if the clinic is drive-through and you need to stay in your car for the test

COVID-19 PCR testing is available across NSW at:

COVID-19 clinics which are set up especially for testing
some private pathology sites
some GPs or local doctors.

You will need to bring one form of identification with you.

Get to the clinic with enough time before it closes for staff to explain the process and answer any questions.

What happens when you get a PCR test

You may have your temperature checked when you arrive.
You need to wear a mask at the clinic and remove it to provide a sample.
A doctor or nurse will ask if you have any symptoms.
A sample of fluid is taken from inside your nose and/or your throat using a medical swab.
The swab is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The test is safe, free and you do not need a Medicare card.

A PCR test is usually a bit uncomfortable but not painful.

The test is for COVID-19 but some clinics may test for other respiratory viruses.

The COVID-19 swabs are not tested for drugs, cancer, or anything else.

What to do after your PCR test

Go straight home and self-isolate until you receive your result, unless otherwise advised by NSW Health.

Do not stop off along the way.

If you need groceries or other essential items, ask family or a friend to drop them off at the front door.

If you need to pick up your children, ask another parent or family member to drop them home.

You cannot leave your home unless it is to seek medical care or because of an emergency.
You cannot have visitors.
Monitor how you feel. If symptoms become serious (such as shortness of breath while sitting or difficulty breathing), call Triple Zero (000). Tell the ambulance staff you have been tested for COVID-19. Ambulance services are provided free of charge to people who are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.
If you share a home with other people
- separate yourself from them as much as possible
- when you are at home with others, spend time in separate rooms if you can
- wear a face mask when you are in the same room as another person and
- keep 1.5m away from each other.
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.

Getting your PCR test results

When you take your COVID-19 test, register to receive your results by SMS text message.

You will normally receive results in 1 to 3 days.

If you were tested at a public hospital

You can securely access your COVID-19 test result by registering for the NSW Health Pathology Results Portal. You will be prompted to:

enter your mobile number to receive a OTP (one time passcode)
enter the OTP
click ‘View results’ to download a PDF copy of your results

You can also share a copy of your personal result report, which has a unique QR code, with authorised third parties such as employers, schools or airlines.

If you were tested at a private clinic

If you have not received your results within 3 days, call the provider on the COVID-19 results hotline.

Financial support

If you can't earn money because of COVID-19 restrictions, find out about the financial support available.

Pandemic leave disaster payment

You may be eligible for financial support if you can't earn an income because

NSW Health has directed you to self-isolate or quarantine for 7 days or
you are caring for someone who has COVID-19.

Find out if you are eligible for

the pandemic leave disaster payment.
other financial support.

If you test positive for COVID-19

Most people with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and will recover after a few days. Learn how to safely manage COVID-19 at home.