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COVID-19 tests

Find out how we test for COVID-19 in Australia.

Last updated

Follow your local state or territory health advice for information on rapid antigen tests: 

About COVID-19 tests

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

To detect if a person has COVID-19, there are 3 kinds of tests:

  • Nucleic acid detection tests - to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral (Ribonucleic acid) RNA
  • Rapid antigen tests (RATs) - to detect antigen viral proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus
  • Serology tests - to detect IgM and/or IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Contact us

If you're a sponsor or manufacturer and want more information about COVID-19 tests:

Email IVDs@tga.gov.au

Telephone 1800 141 144

For general COVID-19 enquiries contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on:

Telephone 1800 020 080 (available 24 hours a day, seven days a week)

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