The NSW COVID-19 outbreak has stretched the state's pathology labs to the limit with some people left waiting more than 100 hours for their test result.
Waiting up to 100 hours to receive test results or a test confirmation, has seen an influx of complaints and people needing to go to multiple testing sites.
Laverty Pathology, which currently operates 46 COVID-19 drive-through testing sites across NSW, and processes 10,000 tests a day, has been largely blamed for the long delays.
Last week, NSW tested more than 332,200 people, with results generally sent between 24 and 72 hours.
A man tested at the Rozelle drive-through site told the ABC he waited exactly 100 hours for his test result.
“I understand the need for COVID testing but I was forced to wait in isolation for 100 hours," he said.
"It’s outrageous to urge testing and tell us it should take 24-48 hours when in some cases it takes more than twice as long.
"Not good enough.”
Those waiting for results have taken to social media to share their experiences.
"When the COVID test you got done at work yesterday comes back before the test you got done last Thursday," Emma Jones said.
"Be prepared to wait currently up to 72 — 90 hours for your results," Yanni Mollers said.
"My dad has been waiting five days for his test results and my son has been waiting 4 days for his test results and nothing has come back yet," Crystal Claveria, from the Fairfield LGA said.
"They (Laverty) let their phones ring out when they are busy and then they open their lines and put you on hold for one hour."
A nurse inside the Fairfield area, Julie Campbell, waited four days for her test result from the Summer Hill testing site, run by Laverty Pathology.
"A nurse, Fairfield LGA, GO FIGURE, Absolutely pathetic, DON'T GO THERE," she warned.
"Too bad if I was positive."
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said the scaling up of pathology labs had been a "double-edged sword".
"I want to reassure the community that one of the private labs, in particular, did have some issues with scale, and you can imagine it has been a double-edged sword.
"We are really pleased to see the community response to the testing and that is part of the strategy. We are working closely with that company and I note they've put in additional measures," Dr Chant said.
On Wednesday, Laverty Pathology's Facebook account shared a NSW Health post which asked for patience during this busy time.
"We are currently processing large volumes of COVID-19 tests. Our staff are working round the clock to deliver your result as quickly as possible," the post read.
Laverty Pathology has been contacted for comment.
