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What to do if your RAT test comes back as ‘Positive’

 

Positive RAT result

If you test positive in a rapid antigen test (RAT), it is very likely that you have COVID-19. You must immediately isolate and report your positive test result so QLD health can get in touch with you and support you.

  • Report your positive RAT result to Queensland Health via: (https://www.qld.gov.au/rat-positive)

  • You can also use the online form to report a positive RAT result for any dependant or for anyone under your care.

  • If you are unable to complete the form or you need help, call 134 COVID (134 268).

Note:

  • You do not need a PCR test to confirm a positive RAT result.

  • Most people will have a minor illness, particularly if they are vaccinated and otherwise healthy.

  • See below ‘First steps if you have COVID-19'

Most people will have minor symptoms just as you would for many other mild viruses, particularly if you are vaccinated and otherwise healthy. The majority of people will be able to manage their symptoms at home while isolating. It is possible to have mild symptoms at the start of your illness but become sicker over time.

You should seek medical advice if you:

  • are not improving after 2 or 3 days

  • have a chronic health condition

  • are pregnant.

You should only go to hospital or call Triple Zero (000) if you have severe symptoms like:

  • difficulty breathing even when walking around the house

  • coughing up blood

  • significant chest pain

  • collapse or fainting.

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If you need to call Triple Zero (000), ask for an ambulance. If you can, explain to the operator that you have COVID-19.

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What to do if your RAT test comes back as ‘Negative’

 

Negative RAT result

If you test negative on a rapid antigen test (RAT) it is still possible that you have COVID-19 but not as likely depending on your pre-test risk or exposure.

Note:

  • You do not need to report a negative test to QLD health

  • If you are a close contact according to QLD health definition continue to follow quarantining instructions as per QLD health website.

If you were asymptomatic at the time of testing and develop symptoms of Covid-19, arrange for a repeat test with either a RAT test or a PCR test and isolate immediately until you receive your results.

If you would like to consult about your negative test results further, please book a telehealth appointment with Dr Dona Hooshmand (MBBS FRACGP), 

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You still need to follow any public health orders relevant to your State or Territory.

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First steps if you have COVID-19

If you test positive to COVID-19, follow the checklist below.

 

These important steps protect yourself and others.

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Please report your result to QLD health 

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1) Immediately isolate for 7 days

If you get COVID-19, you need to immediately isolate yourself at your home or other accommodation for 7 full days from the date you had your test.

Isolate means you need to stay away from other people as much as possible, so you don’t give the virus to someone else. If you don't have somewhere suitable to isolate, call 134 COVID (134 268) for help.

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2) Tell your household contacts to isolate and get tested if they have symptoms

Tell the people that live with you that you have COVID-19. They need to quarantine at home with you for the same period of time. They need to get tested on Day 6 of their quarantine period, or earlier if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.

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3) Tell your social, work and education contacts to get tested if they have symptoms

It’s likely you will have been in contact with other people while you were infectious. You are deemed infectious two days before your symptoms started. If you didn’t have any noticeable symptoms, you are deemed infectious two days before you had your COVID-19 test that was positive.

If you have been in contact with anyone during that period, you need to tell them you have COVID-19 so they can monitor their symptoms and get tested if they feel unwell.

This might include your workplace or the place you study, or if you have children, the school or childcare they go to.

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4) Get the things you need delivered like food and medication

You will be in isolation for a minimum of 7 days. It’s important you have everything you need for staying home.

Any deliveries must be no contact.

Ask friends or family members you don’t live with to get food and medication for you and leave it at your door.

If that isn't possible, arrange a food delivery service. Have all food left outside your house. Do not let any delivery person into your home or accommodation.

If you need a prescription filled, arrange this with your usual pharmacist or GP. They can deliver it to your home or accommodation, or you can let your friend or family member know where to collect the medication.

Home care workers and other providers of essential services like nurses are allowed to enter your home. However, if you receive these services it is important that you let the service providers know that you have COVID-19 and are in isolation.

If you can’t get family or friends to help you, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

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5) Look after yourself. Focus on your health, and get help if you need it

Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and can look after themselves at home. Keep a diary, so you can track if your symptoms get worse.

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If you need help with your symptoms or looking after yourself at home, call the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.

Only call Triple Zero (000) or go to an emergency department if you have severe symptoms.

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To arrange a telehealth appointment with Dr Dona Hooshmand to discuss your RAT results, please call 0755645018 or book via hotdoc.com.au

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