A rapid antigen test (RAT) is a quick home test to check if you have COVID-19.
RAT kits are available for purchase from supermarkets, pharmacies and other selected suppliers.
Two types of RATs (saliva test and nasal swabs) are approved for use in Australia (external site) by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
All RAT kits include guidance on their recommended use. Parents or guardians should check the suitability of the specific RAT for children and perform or supervise the test.
If you test negative using a RAT, monitor for COVID-like symptoms and test again if symptoms develop or persist.
If your RAT result is positive, follow guidance for confirmed cases, including to stay home for at least 5 days and until symptoms have resolved.
RAT registration
If you test positive using a RAT, it is recommended that you register your result with WA Department of Health (external site). RAT registration is no longer mandatory but is strongly encouraged because the more people who register their positive RATs, the more accurately the WA Department of Health can assess COVID-19 case numbers.
If you need help to register a positive RAT result, you can ask a friend or family member to complete the online form with you or register the RAT result on your behalf.
If you make a mistake, re-register your RAT with the correct details. If the RAT registration link does not work, try registering again later. You do not need to contact the WA Department of Health if you are unable to complete the online form or have registered your RAT incorrectly.
There may be a delay of up to 48 hours between registering your RAT and receiving a text message from the WA Department of Health. If you registered your RAT result and did not receive a text message, no further action is required by you.
Keep evidence of your positive test result in case you need to show your employer, such as a dated photograph of your positive RAT or the text message you receive from the WA Department of Health after registering your positive RAT result. Do not delete this text message as it cannot be re-sent later.
The WA Department of Health will not reissue a RAT confirmation text message or issue the RAT registration confirmation text message in any other format.
Disposing of RAT tests
Some RAT kits include a plastic bag for you to place the contents of the test, including the swab, into. If no bag is provided with your kit, place the used test items into a small plastic bag that can be sealed. Place this bag into another bag for disposal with your household rubbish.
Wash your hands carefully after completing the test and disposing of test kit contents.
Rapid antigen test kits should not be used beyond the expiration date. Safely dispose of expired RAT kits in general waste bins. Clean cardboard packaging and paper leaflets can be recycled.