Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) | Ministry Of Health NZ |

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are currently Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary testing tool for people with COVID-19 symptoms or household contacts. Testing is free for those with symptoms and/or who are household contacts.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are currently Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary testing tool for people with COVID-19 symptoms or household contacts. RAT results are available quickly – usually in about 20 minutes.

If someone at higher risk of severe Covid-19 illness is a household contact, and has a negative RAT for COVID-19, a more sensitive PCR test may be needed. A health professional can advise you on the right test to take in your situation.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home and get tested. If your RAT result is negative but your symptoms continue or worsen, continue to stay at home and take a further test 48 hours later.

All COVID-19 testing for those with symptoms and/or who are household contacts is free. If you need a COVID-19 test for international travel you will need to pay for this.

The following resources show if you need a test, how to take a RAT and how to report your RAT result:

Information and resources on RATs are also available in different languages

For videos and factsheets for each type of rapid antigen test available in New Zealand see the approved rats and how to use them section

You should report the results of your rapid antigen test (RAT) whether you test positive or negative. You can do this online through My Covid Record.

If you are having trouble using My Covid Record, you can report the results of your RAT over the phone by calling 0800 222 478 and choose option 3.

You can also report a RAT result for someone else through your own My Covid Record account. To make a report on behalf of someone else you will need their NHI number, full name and date of birth.

If the person you're reporting for doesn't have an NHI number call 0800 222 478 and choose option 3.

If you get a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result:

If you still have symptoms after your seven day isolation period has ended, you are advised to stay at home until 24 hours after symptoms resolve.

A small number of specific workplaces such as healthcare settings, may require a negative RAT result before their employees return.

People who are low risk and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 after a previous COVID-19 diagnosis should stay home and recover, until 24 hours after symptoms resolve, and are not required to take a Rapid antigen test.

People with underlying health conditions or who have COVID-19 like symptoms that are getting worse after a previous COVID-19 diagnosis should seek advice from a health practitioner or Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

Even if you test negative you should stay at home until you are well. We also encourage people to continue to wear masks, physically distance where possible and maintain good hand hygiene.

If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms and aren’t a household contact, but want to take a test, you can now buy a RAT at some pharmacies and shops. Any RATs sold in New Zealand must be RATs approved by the Ministry.

RATs for sale won’t come from the public health response supply. They will be sourced from the private market who will also set pricing and distribution.

Selling RATs to the public is regulated under the Commerce Act 1986, the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

Find more information about buying RATs on the Consumer Protection website.

All RAT devices should be kept out of reach of young children and stored safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The Ministry of Health recommends always following the manufacturer’s instructions for using RAT devices, as not all brands are the same. You can watch a video explaining how to use some of these tests from the links in the table below.

More information on taking a RAT is available on Unite Against COVID-19

The COVID-19 Public Health Response (Point-of-care Tests) Order 2021 came into force 22 April 2021. This order prohibits a person from importing, manufacturing, supplying, selling, packing, or using a point-of-care test for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 unless the Director-General of Health has:

Rapid antigen tests that are exempted and authorised for use in New Zealand are listed in the table below and published on the New Zealand Gazette

Any person can import, manufacture, supply, sell, pack, or use the approved RATs listed below.

Applications to add a new RAT device to the approved Ministry of Health list can be made via the Epidemic notice and Orders section.

The Ministry of Health continues to evaluate new applications and any updates to the authorised list is published by gazette notice and included in the below table.

Product name(s)

Video and PDF instructions for use

Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test (SD Biosensor)

SD Biosensor (Republic of Korea)