This means the test didn't detect the virus, even though you're actually infected with it.ĭoctor Sonya Bennett, Deputy Chief Medical Officer says if a RAT has a clinical sensitivity of at least 80 per cent, this basically means we can expect 80 per cent of tests to be accurate in detecting infection. "So if you're testing negative while symptomatic, wear a mask, social distance, alert those around you that you have symptoms, and practice hygiene with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers." What does it mean if a rapid antigen test is a false negative for COVID-19? Regardless of your test results, if you're experiencing COVID-like symptoms, Dr Williams recommends following these guidelines until you get definitive test results. Multi-virus testing - or multiplex tests - is combined testing that allows influenza and COVID-19 to be detected from one sample, and is available in most locations with a GP referral or from PCR testing sites. He says COVID has highlighted the need for us to take precautions to restrict the spread of all viruses. If you've tested negative for COVID-19 on a RAT test and a PCR test, Dr Williams says it's likely you don't have COVID.īut there are other illnesses, such as RSV and the flu, that have similar symptoms to COVID-19. What to do if you're testing negative on a rapid antigen test and still have symptomsĪccess a PCR test, they're considered the gold standard when it comes to detecting COVID-19. So it's important to follow instructions for sample collection of your RAT test. The TGA says poor sample collection and incorrect use of the test will impact accuracy. While RAT tests can detect the virus, they're most accurate when people have symptoms and are generally best used within the first seven days from when symptoms appear. Pathology Technology Australia said rapid tests were highly accurate at picking up when someone was infectious while PCR tests could detect the virus even if someone did not have symptoms. A negative test is not a guarantee you don't have COVID-19 and there's still a chance you may be infectious.Īustralian Medical Association vice-president Dr John Williams advises anyone with COVID symptoms who returns a negative RAT to seek a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. So, if you're testing negative on a RAT but still have symptoms, or if you need to record a positive RAT test result - here's a refresh on what to do. You have the telltale signs of COVID - fever, headache, dry cough and exhaustion - but your rapid antigen test is returning a negative result.
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