With the current high number of COVID-19 cases in the community, Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT test) is a requirement for selected treatments, to ensure a negative result before coming into the clinic. We know there are many questions and we hope this Q&A helps give clarity. If there are any questions you feel are unanswered, please email so we can provide details.
Update effective Monday 4th April:
Question |
Answer |
When is the Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) test required? |
Your nurse will inform you if you require a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) during your treatment. They will tell you when and how to get this done.
Our current treatments that require testing are:
Services and treatments that do not require a COVID-19 test:
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How is the COVID-19 testing done and does it cost? |
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will now be carried out at home for specific treatment visits to the clinic, which includes anyone requiring to remove their mask.
RATs tests are provided by our clinic but you may use your own Ministry of Health approved test kit, let us know if you have your own supply. The test needs to be completed on the same day that you are due to come into the clinic. A COVID-19 surcharge of $35 is invoiced for most treatment cycles to cover the additional administration, PPE and tests that are required during the current RED framework (publically funded clients are exempt). |
What is the refund policy if I have a positive COVID-19 test or become a close household contact during treatment? |
For Private clients, if you are not able to complete a cycle due to illness / COVID-19, our regular refund policy applies for each stage of your cycle (please click to view the refund policy in our Costs document).
There is one exception: If you test positive to COVID-19 or have symptoms on the day of your egg collection, your cycle will unfortunately be cancelled and you will receive a 50% refund of the costs that you have incurred to that date. We know any cancellation and postponing treatment is distressing and we feel for all our clients going through treatment currently, where COVID-19 is a risk. We hope you understand that until the point of cancellation, our costs remain the same. We need to be extra cautious about COVID-19 not impacting all client treatment due to staff illness but know this will be very difficult for all clients impacted. |
If my egg collection is cancelled before or after my trigger injection, what should I expect to happen to my follicles? |
If your treatment is cancelled during the latter stages of your cycle either before or after trigger, the follicles on your ovaries will gradually shrink down and disappear over a week or so. You may feel a bit bloated during this time and Panadol can help to relief this discomfort.
It is important to note that ovulation of multiple eggs can still occur and we must guide you NOT have sexual intercourse until your period has commenced to avoid the risk of having a multiple pregnancy. |
I’m doing a public funding treatment cycle – what happens to my place on the wait list if my treatment is discontinued due to failed RAT test? |
You will be able to book in for another cycle, usually within the next menstrual cycle when you are healthy. However, if you have had COVID-19, there is a recommended minimum four week stand down period, to increase the chance of success. Your nursing team will be able to give you guidance. |
Is it risky to start a treatment cycle at this time? |
The current COVID-19 environment has posed many challenges and uncertainties to both clients and clinics. Cancellation of treatments is a real risk should you get a positive COVID-19 test during that period of treatment. There is also a small risk that our clinic service is unable to deliver treatment as planned due to staff illness or material shortages due to COVID-19 impacting supply.
In an ideal world, the best advice may be to delay treatment until the highest level of risk has past, however we are acutely aware that fertility is not something that can be put on hold as people continue to age. We have therefore outlined the risks in our COVID-19 questionnaire consent form to ensure that clients are well informed before starting treatment at this time. Click here to view. |
What can I do give myself the best chance of COVID-19 not impacting on my treatment cycle? |
We suggest the following to minimise your risks:
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Our team are here to help with all your queries, email or talk to your nursing team. Please understand that we are all impacted by COVID-19 and appreciate that this will be difficult for all clients.
