In light of the global pandemic that is COVID-19, being able to quickly and easily order a COVID-19 test online is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable online shops that offer COVID-19 tests for sale in Australia. However, do you know what kind of test you need and what to expect when using such a test?

This blog post will provide an overview of what is a COVID-19 test and its benefits, as well as tips on how to use a COVID-19 test safely and securely. 

What Is a COVID-19 Test and What Are Its Benefits

You can now buy a COVID-19 test from any reputable medical supplier, pharmacies and even supermarkets in Australia.

COVID-19 testing is vital in order to help prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure that people who may have been exposed to the virus are able to get the treatment they need as soon as possible.

There are a number of different types of tests available, and the type that you need will depend on your circumstances:

• Nucleic acid test. If you have recently been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms yourself, then you will need to take a PCR test, a type of nucleic acid test. This involves taking a sample from inside your nose or your throat, which will then be sent off for analysis. The PCR test is the gold standard when it comes to detecting COVID-19 as it detects SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA.
• Serology antibody test. This test determines if a person has IgM and/or IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. It uses blood samples that are placed on a test strip, and results are obtained within 15–30 minutes. 
• Rapid antigen test. A rapid antigen test is a test that can help detect antigen viral proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It’s an easy-to-do home test that gives results within 15–30 minutes.

The benefits of taking such a test are many. Some of them are as follows:

• Firstly, if the test comes back positive, it can alert the individual to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Secondly, if the test is negative, it can provide reassurance to the individual and those around them that they are not infected.
• Thirdly, COVID-19 tests can help identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus, which is important in order to prevent further spread.
• Finally, taking a COVID-19 test can help provide data that can be used to inform public health decision-making about measures, such as lockdown and social distancing.

Whatever type of test you take, it is important to remember that if you do test positive for COVID-19, then you will need to self-isolate for at least 14 days. This means staying at home and avoiding contact with other people as much as possible. You should also get in touch with anyone who you have been in close contact with recently so that they can self-isolate too.

When Should You Get Tested?

In Australia, getting tested is necessary, especially under the following conditions:

• You exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
• You are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
• You have recovered, but you develop new symptoms.
• You have been asked to do so by a healthcare professional.
• You want to know if you have the virus before travelling or attending an event, particularly large ones.
• You need it as part of a screening program or requirements by your employer or school.

Another common reason to get tested is when you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case but you do not have symptoms.

Precautions Before Taking the COVID-19 Test

The COVID-19 test is a crucial tool in the fight against the pandemic. It helps to identify those who are infected and allows them to be isolated and treated quickly. However, there are some things you need to know before taking the test.

1. The test is not 100% accurate. There is a small chance that you could test positive even if you do not have the virus.
2. If you have symptoms or have been in close contact, you should self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider.
3. If you test positive, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. 

COVID-19 tests are generally safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. If you have any questions about the test, please contact your healthcare provider first. Be sure to talk about any concerns you may have before getting tested. 

Takeaways

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, testing and protecting yourself and your loved ones are crucial. The good thing is that, now, there are many reliable COVID-19 tests available in Australia. However, you need to be sure to get these supplies only from a reputable shop or supplier. So, be sure to do your research and choose a shop, whether a physical store or an online shop, that has a good reputation and will deliver your supplies promptly. Stay safe and healthy during this time by getting tested for COVID as soon as possible.

Australian Clinical Labs are one of the largest private pathology providers in Australia. Each year millions of patients around Australia trust us with collecting and analysing their pathology samples.

Sample analysis is performed in our 86 NATA-accredited laboratories by a team of highly-skilled scientists, lab technicians and RCPA-accredited pathologists. In 2020, Clinical Labs started offering COVID-19 testing and to date our laboratories have analysed millions of samples for COVID-19.

With the click of a button, you’ll avoid the queues, and experience the convenience of having one of our specially-trained collectors conduct your COVID-19 test at home, with no out-of-pocket cost. Using our MyHomeVisit Online Portal is simple, here’s how:

 Answer the preliminary screening questions

 

These questions are to ensure you are eligible for the service. You do not need a doctor’s request form, but please ensure you do have your Medicare card at the ready.

Schedule your test

Select an available timeslot that works best for you, and one of our medical practitioners will travel to your residence and conduct the swab test. It is recommended that if other members of your household need a test, all should be tested at the same time.

Complete the test

When our collector is on their way, you’ll receive an SMS notification allowing you to track their car as they approach your residence. Once our collector arrives they will tell you exactly what to do from there.