Getting tested for coronavirus

Learn about getting tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should get tested. For the latest advice, please visit the Victorian Government’s website.

Information about COVID-19 testing

The Department of Health Victoria website provides step-by-step advice for when and how to get tested for coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Fever
Chills or sweats
Cough
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.

To get further advice, please call the Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, or your local doctor.

Free rapid antigen test distribution program

To test for COVID-19, you must use a rapid antigen test.

Free RATs are available from participating local councils so that all Victorians can plan ahead and get tested if they have COVID symptoms.

You can receive up to 2 packs of 5 RATs per person, and up to 2 packs per household member. You are not required to have a Medicare card.

People with a disability and their carers can get 4 packs of 5 free rapid antigen tests per person.

You can collect RATs as many times as you need. If you run out of RATs, you are welcome to collect more to make sure you are prepared.

As part of changes to COVID services in Victoria from 1 January 2023, people requiring a PCR test must go to a GP respiratory clinic or have a GP referral to a private pathology provider.

Visit Get a COVID test for information on participating councils and collection locations.

Information about getting tested for COVID in Victoria

The Department of Health Victoria website provides the latest information on testing for COVID, and how to access free RATs.

What to do if you test positive

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the checklist for COVID cases to ensure you and those around you are safe and supported.

Checklist for COVID cases

The Department of Health Victoria website provides guidance on what you can do if you test positive for COVID-19.

Rapid Antigen Tests

As of 7 January 2022, everyone’s first COVID-19 testing 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.

If you have symptoms or you are a contact, and you can’t access a rapid antigen test, you should get a PCR test.
If you can’t access either test at the moment, isolate at home until you can.

Reporting Rapid Antigen Test results

If you test positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test, you are a case.

You must report your positive rapid antigen test result as soon as you can.

Click here to report a positive result from a rapid antigen test.

Alternatively, to report your positive result you can call 1300 651 150 (or the Coronavirus Hotline at 1800 675 398).

You don’t need a PCR test if you have a positive rapid antigen test.

If you are still waiting on the result of a PCR test but you tested positive on a rapid antigen test, you are now a case and you must report your rapid antigen test.

What are the symptoms for COVID-19?

Fever
Chills or sweats
Cough
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.

To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, your local doctor.

People with no symptoms can also be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) in very specific circumstances:

if they are a close contact exposed to someone known to have COVID-19
if they are due to have surgery or a planned hospital stay

Should I get a Rapid Antigen Test or a PCR test?

To test for COVID-19, your first option should be to use a rapid antigen test.

If you have symptoms or you are a contact, and you can’t access a rapid antigen test, you should get a PCR test. If you require a PCR test, please visit the Victorian Government’s Where To Get Tested website.

Asymptomatic people in the community who want to check if they have COVID-19 should not get a PCR test.

They should opt for rapid antigen tests, and if they are currently unavailable, should continue to monitor for symptoms and stay COVIDSafe.

Self-isolation requirements

You should return home immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive your test result, OR if your test was a hospital pre-admission requirement (e.g. prior to surgery or having a baby), you should self-isolate until your admission.

What to do if you test positive

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the checklist for COVID cases to ensure you and those around you are safe and supported.

Fast track the COVID-19 screening process – complete the online Testing Registration form

In partnership with the Department of Health, we’ve introduced the online Testing Registration form at all Monash Health testing sites to speed up the screening process.

What do I do?

Simply visit the Department of Health’s Testing Registration website before attending the testing site, or while you wait.

For families, you also have the option to register family members (dependents) who are under 16 years of age.

Once you have completed your details, you’ll receive an eight-digit unique registration code, which will be valid for 90 days. This means that if you attend another site for testing during this time, you won’t need to resupply your information.

When it’s your turn to be tested, please provide your code to our team. They will then be able to quickly pull up your information.

Please remember, you must still bring your Medicare card.

Completing the form is optional, but it will save you time.

The information you provide will be collected by the Department of Health and stored securely.

For more information, visit the Department of Health Victoria website or call their hotline on 1300 650 172.