WAIT times are dropping for people needing a PCR test, but demand remains high.
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It comes after NSW Health has taken steps in recent weeks to take the pressure off testing clinics and laboratories across the state.
In Bathurst, testing numbers are still in the thousands, but not quite as high as they were around the start of the month.
"WNSWLHD is constantly monitoring the demand for PCR testing and while it has reduced across the District since the beginning of the new year, the demand for PCR testing remains high," a health district spokesperson said.
"The high rate of positive PCR tests has put added pressure on pathology laboratories and has required a different approach to the way laboratories confirm the test samples.
"To ease the pressure on testing clinics, NSW Health recently updated testing guidelines to advice that most people can use a rapid antigen test (RAT) to confirm they are positive for COVID-19."
Wait times for PCR results are still around 72 hours.
If results take longer than five days, people should get in touch with the provider.
The health district spokesperson said people should only seek out PCR testing if:
- they have been asked to have a PCR test by a health care provider
- they have COVID-19 symptoms, but have tested negative on a rapid antigen test AND are at higher risk of severe disease including those who are pregnant, immunosuppressed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, or unvaccinated
- they have symptoms and can't get a rapid antigen test
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