Register a positive rapid antigen test result
Information on what to do if you test positive using a rapid antigen test.
COVID-19 rapid antigen test updates
From 1 October 2023, you will no longer be able to:
- register a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result with Service NSW. This is because the Service NSW RAT portal will close on this date
- collect free RATs at Service NSW locations and recovery centres.
NSW Health still recommends you should stay at home and not visit high risk settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals if you have cold or flu symptoms. This is to help protect other people. Find out what to do if your RAT is positive or negative.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, speak to your doctor and make a plan about testing and antiviral medicines before you get sick. If you are unwell and can’t contact your doctor, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the online Service Finder.
Steps to reduce your COVID risk
To protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms and do a RAT. If you need to leave home, wear a mask, avoid crowded spaces and do not visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness.
- Wear a mask in high-risk settings. You may be required to wear a mask when visiting hospitals and aged and disability care.
- Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness. Your doctor may recommend a PCR test if you get sick. You may also be eligible for antiviral medicines.
- Don't visit people who are at higher risk if you have symptoms or COVID-19.
Find out more on protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you are at higher risk of severe illness.
Protection through registration
If you test positive to COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test, NSW Health recommends you register your result with Service NSW.
Although this is no longer mandatory, it helps you to access medical support from NSW Health, including antiviral medicines, if you're eligible.
Registration of a positive COVID-19 result also helps NSW Health respond to the ongoing pandemic. This keeps you, your loved ones and the community safe.
Register your positive test result
It is also recommended that you register your result with Service NSW if you test positive to COVID-19 using a rapid antigen test in another state or territory and have returned home to NSW.
There is no 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 Service (TIS National) on 13 14 50 and ask them to contact us on 13 77 88.
If you test positive to COVID-19, follow the NSW Health advice on managing COVID-19 safely at home.
What to do if you test positive to COVID-19
If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you are a confirmed COVID-19 case.
It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate if you test positive, but it is recommended you stay at home to protect other people from infection.
People you live with, or spend a lot of time with indoors, are at greatest risk of catching COVID-19 from you. These people do not need to self-isolate, but it is recommended that they follow the advice for People exposed to COVID-19.
Who needs a PCR test
Most people who have COVID-19 symptoms can do a rapid antigen test (RAT).
If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, contact your doctor for testing advice.
If you can't contact your doctor, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the online Service Finder to find a doctor near you.
If your doctor recommends a COVID-19 PCR test, they will give you a pathology referral form for a free COVID-19 PCR test.
The referral form will have a private pathology provider location to visit so you can get tested.
How is my test registration data stored?
Details submitted to Service NSW are stored securely and according to Australian and NSW government privacy legislation.
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.