Testing patients for COVID-19

For the latest information on COVID-19 testing, visit Queensland Health’s COVID-19 testing requirements webpage.

Most people can manage COVID-19 at home and are advised to utilise the tools and helplines below in the first instance they suspect they have COVID-19:

Healthdirect COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker

National Coronavirus Helpline – For information about COVID-19 and vaccines call 1800 020 080. This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with additional options for priority groups.

Queensland Health Automated Assessment Service Billie the Bot – Adults 1800 953 919 | Youth (less than 16 years) 1800845 298

Polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR)

PCR tests are no longer required to confirm a positive rapid antigen test (RAT).

PCR tests are available where RATs cannot be accessed.

PCR Testing sites.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

A positive RAT result must be reported to Queensland Health. RATs can be purchased at pharmacies and retail stores.

Queensland Health have a limited supply at testing sites.

Report a positive RAT result.

Queensland Health are conducting COVID-19 screening at fever clinics in a range of locations across North Queensland.

Visit the Queensland Health website for more information.

Specimen collection can be done through:

• Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and QML Pathology
• dedicated COVID-19 fever, community assessment and GP respiratory clinics available across the region (see above).

The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand released a document, Pulmonary Function Testing during SARS-CoV-2 Outbreaks: Preliminary Guidance from TSANZ/ANZSRS - January 2022, and the National Asthma Council Australia released Spirometry Infection Control Recommendations for Primary Care in April 2022.

Our Preparedness and Response Team is available to provide support.

E: preparednessandresponse@nqphn.com.au