How to do a Rapid Antigen Test in your language

As Australia transitions from COVID-19 PCR testing to rapid antigen tests, SBS has produced instructions in your language.

A man holds a negative rapid antigen coronavirus test.

A man holds a negative rapid antigen coronavirus test. Source: AP

Rapid Antigen Tests or RATs as they’ve become known, are take-home kits to test if you have COVID-19.

Increasingly, states are encouraging people with COVID-19 symptoms, or close contacts to complete at RAT at home and report a positive result to health services, rather than completing a test at a state-run PCR clinic, unless directed.

Follow the instructions below to correctly complete a rapid antigen test, or click here for instructions in your language.

Step 1 – Take a sample

Clean your hands and open the test kit. Set out the kit on a clean surface. Remove the swab from packaging only touching the handle. Insert the swab 2cm into your nostril, turn it five times to collect a sample, and repeat on your other nostril.
Source: SBS

Step 2 – Extract the sample

Insert the swab into the plastic extraction tube and turn it ten times. Pinch the tube and remove the swab. Seal the tube with the extraction cap and shake tube gently
Source: SBS

Step 3 – Test the sample

Place the testing strip in front of you. Squeeze the extraction tube and put three drops of the sample into the testing strip. Wait 15 minutes for results.
Source: SBS

Step 4 – Read your results

If one line appears next to C your test is negative. If two lines appear next to C and T it is positive. Dispose of your testing kit, and contact your local health service for further information.
Source: SBS

If you test positive for COVID-19, most states and territories now require you to report your results to the health department in your jurisdiction.

Register your RAT results here, if you're positive 

ACT   New South Wales   Northern Territory   Queensland    

South Australia   Tasmania   Victoria    Western Australia

Read about COVID-19 vaccines in your language

Read all COVID-19 information in your language on the SBS Coronavirus portal

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