Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19

What COVID-19 test should I do?

Follow the latest NSW Health advice to understand what COVID-19 test you should do. If you need to do a rapid antigen test, read the information below.

Rapid antigen test kits do expire so check the expiry date on the package before you test.

What happens if I get a positive rapid antigen test result?

If you have COVID-19 symptoms:

NSW Health recommends that you register the positive result with Service NSW and follow the advice for people testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home.

If you have no COVID-19 symptoms:

Register the positive result with Service NSW and follow the advice for people testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home. You can have a PCR test to confirm the result (as it is more accurate).

What happens if I get a negative rapid antigen test result?

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and:

You are at higher risk of severe illness, you should get a PCR test, as this will provide a more accurate result. NSW Health recommends that you stay at home until you no longer have symptoms, so you don't infect other people.
You are not at higher risk of severe illness, frequent rapid antigen testing may help identify the infection early. This is particularly important if you are in contact with people at high risk of severe illness. NSW Health recommends that you stay at home until you no longer have symptoms, so you don't infect other people.

If you have no COVID-19 symptoms and:

The rapid antigen test is negative you are unlikely to have COVID-19. If you are at higher risk of severe illness and have been recently exposed to COVID-19 in your household, you should have a PCR test. Get another test if you develop symptoms.

You do not need to report negative or invalid test results to Service NSW.

If I am a positive case what should I do?

You should follow the advice for people testing positive for COVID-19. NSW Health recommends that you stay home and take steps to protect other people until your acute symptoms have resolved.

If you test positive on a rapid antigen test (RAT), please register your positive result with Service NSW. Voluntarily registering your result helps you to access medical support, including antivirals, if you are eligible. It also assists NSW Health respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

What type of rapid antigen tests should I use?

The Australian Government's regulatory agency, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), oversees the conditions of supply for rapid antigen test kits.

For your own safety you should only use a self-test kit that has been approved by the TGA. The TGA website has a list of all home use tests approved by the TGA, along with a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions for each test.

A consumer fact sheet is available on the TGA website.

More detailed information on rapid antigen self-tests can be found on the TGA website.

Video: Doing a 15 minute rapid antigen test - in your language

There are different self-test kits available. Follow the instructions provided within the test. Watch a quick video from NSW Health on how to use a basic nasal rapid antigen test.

All tests are for single use only. This means you can only use each test once. Do not use a test more than once or try to use one test on multiple people.

English - Doing a 15 minute Rapid Antigen Test (Video)

Can I eat or drink before using a saliva sample rapid antigen test?

No. NSW Health recommends you do not eat, drink or brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes before doing a saliva rapid antigen test. This will ensure a clean sample is taken.

If you still have food, drink or toothpaste residue in your mouth it might coat the swab stick and affect the test result.

Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 can be very accurate and specific when used as directed. However, experience overseas has shown food and drink, especially acidic drinks like soft drink and fruit juice, can impact the ability of the test to read the sample correctly.

Where saliva rapid antigen tests are being used for routine testing, like before going to school, NSW Health recommends people do the test first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, and supervised where required.

Can rapid antigen test kits be used for children?

Yes. Tests for children should always be done or supervised by an adult. Some kits cannot be used on young children and babies. Please carefully follow any instructions provided with the test kit if using the test on a child or baby.

Read the COVID-19 advice for parents, students and children.

How do I store and dispose of a rapid antigen test?

Store the test kit in a safe, dry, cool space. Refer to the test kit instructions.

Disposal will vary according to information provided with the test instructions. Some tests come with a plastic bag to place the contents of the test into (including the swab).

This bag is then placed into another bag for disposal with the household rubbish. Test kit materials are not recyclable.

If no bags are provided you can place the used items from the test into a small plastic bag that can be sealed. This bag should be put into another bag that can be sealed and disposed of in the household rubbish.

Wash your hands carefully after completing the test and disposing of the test kit contents.

More information and advice

Follow the NSW Health advice for: