Hokonui Rūnanga
Facebook
  • About Us
    • Who we are
    • History of Hokonui Rūnanga
    • Whakapapa
    • Wai and Whakapapa
    • The Battle of Waitaramea
    • Poupoutunoa and Kauwaewhakatoro
    • Two Rivers: Mataura (Mata Ura) and Clutha (Mata Au)
    • Property assets
    • Where are we?
    • Job vacancies
  • Kaupapa Taiao
    • LEARNZ Hokonui restoration field trip videos
    • Te Kawa o Te Taiao
    • Kaitiaki Taiao Tauira Programme
    • Hokonui Hills and Haumuri/Croydon Bush Biodiversity Project
    • Catlins and Ōtewao/Forest Hill Biodiversity Project
    • Hokonui Wetland
    • Koura
    • Mataura Mataitai
    • Floriculture
    • Portfolios
  • Education
    • LEARNZ Hokonui Restoration: Tech in Te Taiao
  • Health
    • COVID-19
    • Whānau Ora Navigators
    • Community youth worker and advocacy service
    • Kaumatua Health Day
    • Te Kakano - Nurse-led Clinics
  • News
  • Photos
  • Contact
  • Register
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. COVID-19
  4. COVID-19 RAT testing

COVID-19 RAT testing

26 March 2022

RAT - Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the main testing method being used now for people with COVID-19 symptoms or who are a Household Contact. Results take about 15 minutes.

Note that Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are still being used in some situations. Results take between 2 and 5 days. A health professional can advise you on the right test to take in your situation.

RAT tests are available for purchase from chemists, supermarkets and stores like the Warehouse.

How do use a RAT test

Test instructions vary depending on the brand. Many rapid antigen testing kits follow the instructions below, but not all.

How to use a rapid antigen test (RAT)

If you’re unsure - follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Understanding the results

If it is positive

If you get a positive test result, you must self-isolate immediately and follow the advice for people who have COVID-19.

Your test result does not need to be confirmed with a PCR unless advised.

What steps to take if you have tested positive

If it is negative

If you get a negative test result and do not have symptoms, it is likely you do not have COVID-19.

If you have symptoms, stay at home and carry out another RAT the following day. If your symptoms get worse, contact your local healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

It is possible for someone with COVID-19 to get a negative RAT result. This can be because there was not enough virus in the sample, or because the test was not carried out correctly.

If the test fails or is indeterminate

If a result is failed or indeterminate, you must take another RAT. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to wait between tests.

Reporting the results

Whether positive or negative, you should report the results of your RAT.You can do this online through My Covid Record or by calling the helpline.

  • Log in and report your results through My Covid Record(external link)
  • If you are having trouble using My Covid Record, call 0800 222 478 and choose option 3.
In this section
  • Health
  • COVID-19
    • Orange traffic light
    • COVID-19 RAT testing
    • How to self-isolate
    • Traffic light system
    • Red traffic light
    • Vaccines for Tamariki
    • Omicron Variant
    • Green traffic light
    • COVID-19 symptoms
    • Who’s at higher risk of COVID-19?
    • Face masks
    • Vaccinations
    • Benefits, financial support and foodbanks
      • Foodbanks - locations and contacts
    • Tamariki - keeping them safe and reassured
    • Mental Health - looking after yourself
    • Learn more about the COVID-19 virus
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Whānau Ora Navigators
  • Community youth worker and advocacy service
  • Kaumatua Health Day
  • Te Kakano - Nurse-led Clinics

© Hokonui Rūnanga 2022 • Website by RS

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who we are
      • Terry Nicholas
      • Taare Bradshaw
      • Our staff and other portfolios
    • History of Hokonui Rūnanga
    • Whakapapa
    • Wai and Whakapapa
    • The Battle of Waitaramea
    • Poupoutunoa and Kauwaewhakatoro
    • Two Rivers: Mataura (Mata Ura) and Clutha (Mata Au)
      • Mata Ura - Mataura River
      • Mata Au - Clutha River
    • Property assets
      • Five Rivers School site
    • Where are we?
    • Job vacancies
  • Kaupapa Taiao
    • LEARNZ Hokonui restoration field trip videos
    • Te Kawa o Te Taiao
    • Kaitiaki Taiao Tauira Programme
    • Hokonui Hills and Haumuri/Croydon Bush Biodiversity Project
      • Haumuri/Croydon Bush Restoration Project
      • Hokonui Hills Biodiversity Project
    • Catlins and Ōtewao/Forest Hill Biodiversity Project
      • The Catlins
      • Forest Hill/Ōtewao
    • Hokonui Wetland
    • Koura
    • Mataura Mataitai
    • Floriculture
    • Portfolios
      • Aukaha
      • Te Roopu Taiao and Te Ao Marama
  • Education
    • LEARNZ Hokonui Restoration: Tech in Te Taiao
  • Health
    • COVID-19
      • Orange traffic light
      • COVID-19 RAT testing
      • How to self-isolate
      • Traffic light system
      • Red traffic light
      • Vaccines for Tamariki
      • Omicron Variant
      • Green traffic light
      • COVID-19 symptoms
      • Who’s at higher risk of COVID-19?
      • Face masks
      • Vaccinations
      • Benefits, financial support and foodbanks
        • Foodbanks - locations and contacts
      • Tamariki - keeping them safe and reassured
      • Mental Health - looking after yourself
      • Learn more about the COVID-19 virus
      • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    • Whānau Ora Navigators
    • Community youth worker and advocacy service
    • Kaumatua Health Day
    • Te Kakano - Nurse-led Clinics
  • News
  • Photos
  • Contact
  • Register
  • Facebook