Get Sydney back on track with COVID-19 testing
#BULKBILLING
We Bring The Test To You
“Testing is key to reducing community transmission and dealing with local breakouts – and this is critical if we are going to lift any restrictions.” – Gladys Berejiklian
“We need to take the test to the people rather than people coming to us for the test”. – Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly
“Testing is critical to our success as a nation”. – Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
What is Covid Test Sydney?
Covid Test Sydney is an initiative created by doctors in conjunction with Histopath Diagnostic Specialists to help Sydney get back to normal as quickly as possible by finding and stopping the spread of COVID-19. Our goal is to dramatically increase access to testing from home. We bring the test to you.
There is no cost, as the service is bulk billed.
The best thing Sydney can do right now is massively increase testing of all people with even the mildest symptoms. By finding the virus, tracking and tracing contacts, we can stop the spread.
Why is it important to consider getting a test?
- The sooner we can identify COVID-19 cases, the sooner we can get back to our normal way of life.
- In addition to social distancing, widespread testing is a proven, effective way to combat the spread of COVID-19.
- Testing gives us crucial data that we need to track the spread of the virus, contain it, and to help find a cure and save lives.
“NSW is now saying to anyone across the state, if you have symptoms, if you’re worried you have COVID-19 or if you’ve been in contact with someone who may have it, please come forward and get tested.” – Gladys Berejiklian
How does it work?
Answer a few questions to determine your eligibility for a test. One of our doctors will contact you to confirm your symptoms and order a test for you.
Histopath Diagnostic Specialists will arrange to deliver a self collection kit to your door and guide you through the collection process. The collector will then return your specimens to the virology lab for testing.
You will receive your result by text message, usually the next day. Our healthcare team will be available for advice if the result is positive. All test results are then provided to NSW Public Health.
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FAQ’s
How do I get a test?
In order to get a test, you first need to complete the questionnaire (visit covidtestsydney.com.au to access).
Is the test the same as that provided at hospitals, pop up clinics and drive through clinics?
Yes. The test is the gold standard PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test performed by NSW Health.
Why self collection?
Self collection kits provide a more convenient, safe and efficient way of getting tested. Many people report less discomfort when self collecting a swab.
Is self collection as good as healthcare worker collection?
Yes. Multiple studies have shown that, provided instructions are followed carefully, self collected swabs provide viral detection sensitivity results that are comparable to healthcare worker collected swabs.
What days of the week will the testing be provided?
Times are subject to change, however, currently we are providing home testing 7 days a week.
How will the testing results be available for those who get tested?
You will be contacted via text message with your result. If positive, a healthcare worker will also contact you.
How will primary care providers stay informed of testing results of their patients?
Right now, it is the responsibility of you, the patient, to communicate your test results with your usual doctor/healthcare worker.
Is testing available outside of Sydney?
Currently, we are not providing testing at home for people outside of Sydney, however this may change in the future.
I know they are ramping up testing, but “who” is the entity controlling the testing??
The NSW Government provides advice on who should be tested. This advice is regularly updated. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/advice-for-professionals.aspx
Who is going to do the testing and how long will you wait before getting results?
Tests are being performed by Histopath Diagnostic Specialists virology lab www.histopath.com.au and results are generally available the day after specimen collection.
How does this initiative "increase" testing if we still have limitations in testing capacity?
Testing capacity is currently increasing and this initiative is aimed at providing access to that capacity in a safe, simple and convenient way.
What should I do if my test results come back as INCONCLUSIVE?
A very small percentage of the time, test results come back inconclusive. If you received an inconclusive result, your test will be automatically reprocessed. You will receive a message indicating that your test is being redone and you will receive your new test results in a few days. If on the second test, your results are still inconclusive, you’ll be asked to schedule a new testing appointment where we can process a new sample. In the meantime, however, it is best to treat your result as POSITIVE. It is recommended that you take appropriate measures to seek treatment and isolate yourself, according to guidelines.
Where can I find more information about NSW Health criteria for testing?
For more information please visit, https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx.
How will my data collected in the questionnaire be used?
During the course of providing services to you, or otherwise engaging with you, your personal information is used only for the purposes of providing your medical consultation and testing. We may disclose your personal information to trusted third parties including:
- Healthcare service providers or other relevant parties involved in your care or requesting services on your behalf (including for the purpose of obtaining second opinions or making referrals, on your behalf, for specialist medical services)
- Statutory registries or bodies where requested to do so by you or as required by law (in particular Notification of Covid-19 test results to NSW Health, in accordance with Public Health Act 2010)
- Other third parties or organisations, if required by, and in order to comply with, our legal obligations. Approved and trusted contractors, under agreement, as engaged by us to provide professional services (such as debt collection, information and communication technology providers, specialist clinical services). Sensitive information is only ever disclosed for the purposes for which you gave it to us or for directly related purposes you would reasonably expect, or if you agree, for example, to handle a complaint. Where we outsource any of our services or hire contractors to perform professional services, we will require them, under contract, to comply with the Privacy Act, or other relevant privacy legislation and, where applicable, our Privacy Policy. We may use electronic processes to disclose your personal information as specified above, where available or relevant. We will not seek your additional consent to disclose your personal information for the purposes listed above. We will not use your personal information for marketing.
Get In Touch
Let’s Work Together!
Phone
(02) 9878 8111
Address
4 Drake Avenue, Macquarie Park New South Wales 2113