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.
The Department of Health Victoria website provides step-by-step advice for when and how to get tested for coronavirus.
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.
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.Â
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.​
The Department of Health Victoria website provides the latest information on testing for COVID, and how to access free RATs.
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.
The Department of Health Victoria website provides guidance on what you can do if you test positive for COVID-19.
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 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monash Health has established several screening clinics where people can be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19):
Children of all ages can be tested at Monash Health’s screening clinics.
Please check the state government’s Coronavirus website for real-time screening clinic availability.
Please note: opening hours are subject to change based on demand.
This is a drive-through only location (you must be in a vehicle to get tested).
299 Centre Dandenong Road
Cheltenham VIC 3192
(opposite DFO Moorabbin)
This clinic is closed on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August
Download detailed map for Cheltenham, Centre Dandenong Road (PDF document)
This location accepts both drive-through and walk-in testing.
Open seven days a week
9am to 4pm
Download detailed map for Clayton, Wellington Road (PDF document)
This is a drive-through only location (you must be in a vehicle to get tested).
Open seven days a week
From 9am to 4pm
This location accepts both drive-through and walk-in testing.
Open seven days a week
From 9am to 4pm
Directions to Dandenong, Caroll Lane from nearby Monash Health locations:
This is a drive-through only location (you must be in a vehicle to get tested).
Open seven days a week
From 9am to 4pm
This location accepts both drive-through and walk-in testing.
Open seven days a week
9am to 5pm
Refer to the following document for up to date information about Monash Health screening clinics and testing criteria.