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Testing for COVID-19
People at higher risk of severe disease should contact their GP. If you can't access a GP, call the Care@home team on 1800 973 363 to discuss testing options.
Types of COVID-19 tests
There are 2 types of test that can detect if you have the COVID-19 virus:
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
- rapid antigen self-tests (RATs)
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
You should get tested for COVID-19 if you are at higher risk of severe illness and have symptoms of COVID-19.
Those at risk of severe illness should have a plan in place with their doctor so they can access testing and treatment, including antiviral medication as soon as possible if they test positive.
You can do a RAT test as soon as your symptoms begin but contact your doctor or follow your plan for further testing advice if the RAT is negative. You may need a PCR to test for COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.
- Learn more about who may be eligible for medication to treat COVID-19 and how to access treatment
- Learn more about who may be eligible for medication to treat influenza (flu) and how to access treatment
PCR testing
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is collected by a doctor or nurse and sent to a laboratory for a result. They take a sample from the back of your throat and inside your nostrils using a swab. Results are known in 24 to 48 hours.
Where to get a PCR test
- Your local GP clinic may offer COVID-19, flu or RSV testing or provide a GP referral to a pathology service – you need a referral to get a PCR test.
- If you are at higher risk of severe illness and cannot access a GP, call the Care@home team on 1800 973 363 to discuss testing options.
- Your GP or Care@home may give you a self-collection PCR test kit.
Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT)
RATS are available for purchase at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Concession card holders can access a capped supply of free RATs at Service Tasmania outlets.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are quick and easy to use, you can do the test yourself, and the results are known in around 10 to 20 minutes.
Notifying positive RATs
You are no longer required to register your RAT online.
If you would like to participate in surveillance activities for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, you can join the FluTrackingTM surveillance system.
Participating will help Public Health Services understand acute respiratory illness activity in the community. FluTrackingTM provides information to Public Health Services on COVID-19, flu, and other viruses that may be circulating.
FlutrackingTM is an online survey that asks if you have had fever or cough or other symptoms in the last week. The survey takes just 10-15 seconds to answer and is sent via email each week.
The FlutrackingTM project is operated by Hunter New England Local Health District and is an international partnership of health agencies.
RAT collection at Service Tasmania
Concession card holders can access a limited supply of RATs through Service Tasmania centres.
There are 27 Service Tasmania centres located around Tasmania. To find your nearest centre call 1300 13 55 13 or visit the Service Tasmania website.
Eligible card holders:
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Health Care Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange card
- Tasmanian Seniors Card
You will need to show:
- your physical card; or
- your digital card in the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app
Limits:
- 10 RATs over a 3-month period
- Maximum of 5 per month
