If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you are a COVID-19 case.
You should report your positive rapid antigen test result as soon as you can. Treat your positive rapid antigen test as official - because it is.
Report your result
- fill in the online
or
- call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Follow the checklist for COVID cases as soon as you have reported your result.
Check with a GP as soon as possible or use our online tool to see if you are eligible for early treatment medicines to help prevent you from getting so sick that you end up in hospital.
You do not need to report your result if you tested positive on a PCR test.
Who can report a result for others?
You can complete the online form on behalf of someone if:
- you are a parent, legal guardian or authorised carer reporting for a person in your care
- you are a health professional reporting for a patient.
Testing positive while waiting for PCR results
If you test positive on a rapid antigen test while you are waiting on the result of a PCR test, you are now a COVID-19 case and you should report your rapid antigen as soon as you can.
Follow the checklist for COVID cases as soon as you have reported your result.
Check with a GP as soon as possible or use our online tool to see if you are eligible for antivirals and other medicines to help prevent you from getting so sick that you end up in hospital.
If you tested positive on a rapid antigen test, but your PCR test result is negative, you are no longer a case, and you can stop isolating at home if you were doing so.
To learn more about rapid antigen tests, where to get them, how to use them and how to understand the results, visit About rapid antigen tests.
Report a positive result in your own language
The online form to report your is compatible with most translation technology, including Google translate.
If you need any assistance, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 and press zero (0) for a translator.
What to do
If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you should:
- report your online or call the Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398 as soon as you can:
- after you report, you will receive text messages from the Department of Health
- your information will stay private. It is the same information that would be obtained if you tested positive on a PCR test
- isolate for at least 5 days or until you don't have symptoms anymore.
- ring your doctor and tell them you have COVID-19. They may prescribe medicine to help prevent you from getting so sick that you end up in hospital
- follow your Checklist for COVID cases:
- tell people and places you have been in contact with that you have COVID-19
- most people with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms. Learn how to manage COVID-19 at home
- wear a face mask if you need to leave home in an emergency.
Why it is important to report your positive result
Reporting your RAT enables access to COVID-19 medicines if you are eligible.
Reporting your RAT also helps the Department of Health to monitor trends of COVID-19 cases in the community. This helps out healthcare system prepare to help people who get so sick with COVID-19 that they need hospital care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes.
Remember: if you are getting a PCR test to confirm your positive rapid antigen test result, you are still required to isolate before you get the PCR test and while you wait for the result of your PCR test. Expect delays of up to 5 days while waiting for the result of your PCR test.
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Yes. People with a high risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 can get medicine to help them stay well. Some of these medicines are called ‘oral treatments’ or 'antivirals'. They stop people from getting so sick that they need to go to hospital. Find out if you are eligible for COVID-19 medicines.
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If you test positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for at least 5 days or until you don't have symptoms anymore.
See Your COVID Checklist for more information on what to do when you test positive.
See Managing COVID-19 at home for how to isolate effectively.
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As soon as possible. You can submit the results of a positive rapid antigen test completed up to 14 days ago.
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Yes.
See if someone can help you over the phone or Facetime. Otherwise, you can report your result online or call the Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398.
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The form asks for basic personal details including your phone number.
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Yes.
The information will be just as private and secure as the information that is captured when you test positive on a PCR test.
They are the same questions and the data is held in the same system.
It’s private medical information and it’s only accessible to relevant Public Health employees.
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No.
Report your result through whatever system exists in that state, territory or country, and follow health advice provided to you.
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Everyone’s first option should be to use a rapid antigen test. They are quick and highly accurate, particularly if you have symptoms or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
PCR testing is also available at state testing sites for all Victorians with COVID-19 symptoms. You should wear a high quality and well-fitted face mask at testing sites and travel there by private vehicle, if possible.
If you can’t access a rapid antigen test, see the tables above to determine if you should get a PCR test.
If you want to confirm a positive result from your rapid antigen test, see the tables above to determine if you are recommended to get a PCR test (while remaining isolated).
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You should stay home until you can access either type of test.
Call a doctor if you are unwell or go to hospital if it’s an emergency.
Reviewed 01 June 2023