Collection instructions are available on your member portal and also detailed below:
Getting the best sample for testing
- Rinse your mouth with water and avoid eating or drinking for at least an hour before collecting your sample.
- On the day of swabbing, steer clear of foods that can affect your sample, like pineapple and citrus.
- No smoking or vaping for at least an hour before swabbing.
- Avoid kissing for at least an hour before swabbing.
- Hold the swab by the cap - only the tip should touch your mouth.
Collect your sample
- Open the package and remove the swab without touching the sponge tip.
- Position the swab inside your left cheek where saliva gathers, between the inner cheek and bottom jawline. Swipe back and forth 10 times. Repeat on your right cheek.
- Hold the tube upright to prevent the liquid inside from spilling. Unscrew the blue cap without touching the sponge.
- Insert the sponge into the tube, and close it tightly. Gently mix 15 times.
- Write your legal first and last name (no middle names), date of birth (Day/Month/Year) and date you collected the sample (Day/Month/Year) on the label provided. Use a pen (markers smudge).
Note: For medicare Core or Couples test, ensure your first and last name matches your current medicare card. - If the label has an MRN field, leave blank.
- Place the label around your swab tube carefully, just below the closed lid.
Return your sample
- Place your tube in the sealed bag and back into the box provided.
- Peel off the tape protector and seal the box closed.
Return your sample in a relevant Australia Post box (Yellow for Express shipping, Red for Standard shipping). Alternatively, drop-off the sample at any post office - the return label is already affixed to the box.