Test results explained

Find out how to read your RAT result and what results mean for RAT and PCR tests.

Rapid antigen test results

A rapid antigen test (RAT) can provide a positive, negative, or invalid result.

For an easy guide to reading your result, refer to Infographic – How to take a nasal rapid antigen test (RAT)

Positive RAT result

A positive RAT result means that proteins from the COVID-19 virus have been detected in your test. This means that you have COVID-19.

If you get a positive RAT result, you do not need to verify it with a PCR test. You are a confirmed case and should stay at home until your symptoms resolve or are much better. 

You should notify your positive test result via the online declaration form or by calling the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) - Positive result declaration form 

You should do this immediately, positive RATs cannot be registered after 10 days.

Registration of your result means:

• your GP is made aware of your result
• you can access the care and support you need, including through the COVID@homeplus team
• if you work in a high-risk setting you may be eligible for financial assistance. Read more on the Services Australia website 
• you receive up to date information from Public Health on access to care and ways to keep others safe.
• evidence of a positive test result after receiving an SMS message from Public Health
• Public Health is able to continue to assess and provide information on the risk of COVID-19 in the community.

Information for positive cases

Negative RAT result

A negative RAT result means that the proteins from the COVID-19 virus have not been detected.

It is possible that the virus is not detected by the test, even though you have COVID-19. This might happen if you are in the very early stages of the infection.

If you have a negative RAT result but you continue to have symptoms, you should repeat the RAT with a new kit the next day or arrange a PCR test.

Continue to stay home away from others at your home or suitable accommodation while you continue to have symptoms.

Invalid RAT result

An invalid RAT result means the test has not worked properly, and you will need to repeat the test with a new RAT kit.

Instructions provided with your RAT kit will explain and/or show an example of an invalid result.

PCR test results

A PCR test may provide a positive, negative or borderline result.

Positive PCR result

A positive PCR result means that genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19 has been detected from the sample. This means that it is likely that you have an infection with SARS-CoV-2.

If you receive a positive PCR result:

• you will receive a message by text/SMS from Public Health and they will ask you to provide some details to assist you to access care.
• you should stay at home away from others at your home/suitable accommodation.

Read more information for positive cases

Negative PCR result

A negative PCR result means that you are unlikely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time your sample was taken.

It is possible that the virus is not detected by the test, even though you have COVID-19. This might happen if you are in the very early stages of the infection.

Continue to practice COVID-safe behaviours and if you continue to have symptoms, consult your doctor or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

You should stay at home, away from others while your symptoms continue.

Borderline or equivocal PCR result

A borderline or equivocal PCR result means that there are low levels of SARS-CoV2 RNA (the virus that causes COVID-19) present in the sample.

This may indicate early infection, be due to detection of residual viral particles from a past infection or rarely a false positive result.

Anyone with borderline result should have a further test collected 24-48 hours after the first test.

• The laboratory will contact you by text/SMS message.
• You may be asked to get a second PCR test from the same location within 24-48 hours to determine whether this is a new or old infection.
• You should stay at home while waiting for your second test result.

What does your test result mean?

1st test result	2nd test result within 24-48 hours	Likely interpretation
Borderline	Negative	Past infection or a false positive
Borderline	Positive	New COVID infection
Borderline	Borderline	Past infection or a false positive

More information

• Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738
• Notify a positive RAT result
• How to take a nasal rapid antigen test (RAT)
• Healthdirect website