Getting a PCR (nose and throat swab) test
This is an Easy Read fact sheet about taking a COVID-19 PCR test.
The NSW Government wrote this guide.
When you see the word ‘we’, it means the
NSW Government.
We wrote this guide in an easy to read way.
We use pictures to explain some ideas.
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 guide.
A friend, family member or support person
may be able to help you.
What is a PCR test?
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.
A PCR test is different to a rapid
antigen test.
A rapid antigen test is a fast way to check
if you have COVID-19.
You can do a rapid antigen test at home.
We have Easy Read information about rapid
antigen tests on our website.
Who should get a PCR test?
Some people are at high risk of getting very
sick if they have COVID-19.
You are at high risk of catching COVID-19 if
you are:
- aged 60 or over
- pregnant
- an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 35 or over.
You are also at high risk if you:
- have serious health problems
- have a disability
- live in an aged care home – a place where older people live
- live in a place where people with disability get care for their disability
- haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine.
A vaccine is a medicine that:
- helps people fight a virus if they come into contact with it
- can stop people from getting very sick from the virus
- can stop you from passing the virus to someone else.
You should talk to your doctor about what test you should get if you are at high risk of catching COVID-19.
We have Easy Read information about
COVID-19 symptoms on our website.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/support/easy-read/symptoms
You can do a rapid antigen test if you have symptoms.
A symptom is a sign you might be sick.
You might:
- see symptoms
- feel symptoms.
What happens when you get a PCR test?
A health care worker will do the PCR test
for you.
The health care worker will take a swab from
inside your:
- throat
- nose.
A swab is a long stick with cotton on the end.
The test might be a bit uncomfortable.
It might make:
- you cough or sneeze
- your eyes water.
It will be over quickly.
The health care worker will tell you:
- what you must do next
- when you will get your results.
You can ask the health care worker to send
your results to someone you trust, like a:
- family member
- carer.
You should stay at home until you receive your test result.
Stay home so that you don't infect other people, if you have COVID-19.
Where can you get a PCR test?
You can get a PCR test at a clinic if your doctor says you should get one.
Support for you
You can call the Healthdirect Health Advice Line.
You can call the Service NSW COVID-19
Helpline.
For more information on which test is right for you, visit:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/testing-managing/get-tested-for-covid-19