FAQs about the free
PCR gargle tests in Vorarlberg
Information valid as of december 2022
Vorarlberg a comprehensive offer for free PCR gargle tests. These tests, which can be carried out at home or at an accommodation and returned to the laboratory for results, can be collected from all 53 pharmacies during opening hours. The tests are only available to registered persons with confirmation of collection. The test result should be available 24 hours at the latest after the test has been returned to the collection centres. Your test result is available online and you will receive an EU Digital COVID certificate. There are 5 free PCR tests per person per month!
NOTE: Please hand in the samples by 9 am! The samples for the examination are only collected 1x a day. Samples dropped off after 9 am on a Saturday will not be picked up until Monday!
Where can I get the PCR gargle tests?
The tests can be collected and handed in at all pharmacies during the respective opening hours.
What do I need in order to collect? Where do I have to register?
You will need:
- Smartphone/mobile phone with camera and internet access
- A valid email address
- Photo identification (passport, driver’s licence, identity card) if you need an official EU-compliant test result for the “green pass.”
You must register at the test portal of the Zentrum für Molekulare Diagnostik (Centre for Molecular Diagnostics) test.zmdx.at. You can create profiles for tests for 4 other people (e.g. children) who do not have a smartphone.
What do I need to collect the tests?
You will need a collection confirmation to collect your free tests. These are only available on the smartphone via the test portal of the Zentrum für Molekulare Diagnostik (Centre for Molecular Diagnostics). NOTE: The pick-up confirmation is valid for max. 20 minutes! It is therefore best to activate the collection confirmation in the store/pharmacy shortly before collection! To do this, you must log in at test.zmdx.at with your user name and password and then activate step 2 “Pick up PCR belt tests.” 5 gargle tests per person can be collected per month.
How do I take the test?
At the test website, test.zmdx.at, you will find PDF instructions (see also download on this page) and a video that explains the test procedure in detail.
In the web app, start the PCR test procedure with sample number (enter or scan). Follow the steps and use the help function if necessary.
NOTE: Keep and retain the instructions for use along with the sample number, which is used to identify the sample afterwards!
Do I really need to upload a video of the gargling process?
Yes, if you need an EU-compliant test certificate for a ‘G certificate,’ for example for school-age children up to the age of 15. Without a video, you will only receive certification of your health status.
What do I have to hand in and where?
Place the PCR test package with protective pouch, sample tubes and cellulose fibres in a box at a drop-off location. Keep the instructions for use along with the sample number. Do not hand these in with the test kit!
Please note the pick-up times! Samples are collected 1x daily after 10 am. So hand in your samples by 9 am at the latest! This will ensure you get the test result the next day.
How and until when do I get my test result?
The test result should be available at the latest 24 hours after collection from the delivery points. It is best, therefore, to hand in the sample by 9 am, because the samples are only collected once a day. You will receive a link via SMS, which you can use to download the test result as a PDF. The PCR test result is valid for 72 hours after the test has been performed (= upload of the video).
What are the possible test results?
Possible test results are:
- POSTIVE (infected/positive with SARS-CoV-2)
- NEGATIVE (NOT infected/negative)
- INVALID (the sample could not be evaluated)
For you, the test result means:
The test result is“NEGATIVE”:
The link displayed in the SMS will take you to your Covid-19 digital certificate.
The test result is“POSITIVE”:
The laboratory is required by law to register all results in the national epidemiological reporting system (EMS). In case of a positive result, the relevant competent authority will contact you directly.
What do I do if it doesn't work?
Please contact the telephone hotline of the ZMD (Zentrum für Molekulare Diagnostik/Centre for Molecular Diagnostics): T 05 7277, available Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm, Saturday 8 am – 2 pm