Register a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result

Protection through registration

People who test positive using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test at home must register with Service NSW when they get their result. This helps people:

• quickly understand their relative level of risk 
• access support from NSW Health

Register your positive test result  

You must register your result with Service NSW if you tested positive using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test in another state or territory and have returned home to NSW to self-isolate.

You do not need to register if you've had:

• a negative or invalid rapid antigen test result
• a positive PCR test in the 28 days before your positive rapid antigen test.

Customers who need help with registering their result can call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

For help in your language,  call Translating and Interpreting Services on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact us on 13 77 88.

Do not visit a Service NSW centre.

If you test positive to COVID-19, follow the NSW Health advice on managing COVID-19 safely at home and self-isolate .

Testing and isolation has changed

Most people no longer need a PCR (nose and throat swab) test to confirm they have COVID-19.

This means people who have been exposed or have symptoms can take a rapid antigen test.

If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you are a confirmed COVID-19 case.

Rapid antigen testing involves a simple swab or saliva test with results normally available within around 15-20 minutes.

Rapid antigen tests are available to buy at supermarkets, pharmacies, and other retail outlets. Supply is currently limited, however supplies are expected to be widely available from mid-January 2022. 

It’s important to follow the instructions on each rapid antigen test closely.
Follow NSW Health advice on COVID-19 testing .

What else to do if you test positive

Immediately self-isolate for 7 days from the day you tested positive using the rapid antigen test.

Read more about self-isolation and how to manage COVID-19 safely at home.

You should also tell any social, work or education contacts you’ve had contact within the previous 48 hours that you have COVID-19.

Your household should also isolate for 7 days and follow the information for people exposed to COVID-19.

Your social and other contacts must get tested if they have symptoms.

Follow the NSW Health advice for people testing positive for COVID-19.

Who needs a PCR test

Most people do not need their rapid antigen test result confirmed with a PCR (nose and throat swab) test, except if you are:

• More than 20 weeks pregnant
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• unvaccinated aged 16 or over
• immunosuppressed
• a worker, resident, patient, or client in a high risk setting where there is no confirmed outbreak
• asked by a registered medical practitioner, such as your GP, doctor or specialist.

High risk settings include healthcare, aged care, disability care and correctional facilities.
Find a COVID-19 testing clinic near you.

How is my test registration data stored?

Details submitted to Service NSW are stored securely and according to Australian and NSW government privacy legislation.

Any information transferred to NSW Health may be retained for more than 28 days in accordance with public health orders.

To protect customers' privacy, data is restricted to authorised personnel in Service NSW and NSW Health.

Regulatory bodies do not have access to any customer or health details.