Throughout the pandemic, Australians with a sniffle or other cold and flu symptoms have been encouraged to get a PCR test – a swab of their throat and the back of their nose, taken by a nurse or doctor.

This is then sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.

So far, a total of 41.5 million COVID-19 PCR tests have been performed in Australia. Private companies that process the tests are paid a Medicare rebate of A$85 per test, up from A$28.65 at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Although pathology companies undoubtedly have high overhead costs, the sector has recorded massive profits as a consequence of COVID-19.