With the increase in COVID-19 cases in many provinces, more and more Canadians see rapid antigen testing as a way to protect their friends and family as we enter the holidays. Some provinces distribute rapid test reagents to the public for free, but in most provinces, you have to pay at pharmacies or buy online through websites such as rapid test and tracking and Canadian Shield. This is Walla Miller recently recommended by health expert Sabina On Twitter.

Here is all the information you need to know about rapid testing, and where to conduct testing across the country.

There are two main types of COVID-19 testing: PCR testing and rapid antigen testing.

The PCR or polymerase chain reaction test is a laboratory-based method that uses a deep nasal swab to determine the presence of coronavirus. It is considered the "gold standard" for COVID-19 testing, providing accurate results approximately 98% of the time. However, it usually takes about 24 hours to return results and must be tested by trained technicians.

In contrast, rapid antigen testing can provide results within 15 minutes. The equipment used for the test is relatively easy to use, but the results provided are not very accurate. Obtaining accurate results depends on many factors; but quick tests provide correct results 50% to 95% of the time. The variability of accuracy means that an individual can test negative when actively infected.

The accuracy of the quick test is between 50% and 95%. The test is usually more accurate for people with symptoms, because a relatively high concentration of the virus is required to pass the antigen test and produce a positive result. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or you have been in contact with an infected person, you should perform a more reliable PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.

Canada has approved nearly 100 rapid antigen testing and PCR testing. The complete list of authorized tests is on the federal government website and is updated daily.

Canada has purchased more than 94 million rapid test products, including products from Abbott Panbio, Abbott ID Now, BD Veritor, Quidel Sofia, BTNX, Roche, Quidel QuickVue and Lucira.

According to CTV reports, 86 million of these tests have been sent to provinces and regions. On December 10, the Minister of Health, Jean-Yves Duclos (Jean-Yves Duclos) stated that the government will purchase another 35 million test kits this month and distribute them across the country.

The federal government, some provincial and territorial governments, and distribution partners, such as pharmacies, chambers of commerce, and the Canadian Red Cross, are providing companies with free rapid tests for workplace screening.

Companies with more than 200 employees or more can prioritize testing, but organizations of all sizes can request testing. Companies can apply for a free quick test through the federal government's website. Small and medium-sized companies in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario can get free rapid testing through participating pharmacies.

For individuals who are looking for a test, Canada has a patchwork system of free and paid tests-where you are depends on your home province.

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan provide the public with free asymptomatic rapid test kits, but the usage in other provinces varies.

Ontario said that as of December 8, it had distributed 34 million rapid tests for certain situations, including basic workplaces, hospitals, long-term care homes, and childcare centers. The government has pledged to provide an additional 11 million U.S. dollars for the school. The government plans to provide faster testing for asymptomatic people in pop-up centers in shopping malls and transportation hubs. Anyone who has not been tested through these channels needs to pay online or through a pharmacy, and the cost of a test is about $40.

Stores in British Columbia do not provide rapid antigen testing. The province only distributes them in certain settings (such as long-term care facilities).

In Alberta, employers and service providers can apply for free rapid testing at their workplaces, giving priority to companies that work with disadvantaged groups, and providing basic services that support the reopening of economic and social activities in a high-risk environment. Department. The province also distributed tests to parents of schools where the outbreak occurred. Anyone who has not been tested through these channels can be tested at pharmacies including Shoppers Drug Mart.

Last week, Quebec asked Ottawa to conduct 10 million rapid tests. The health minister of the province stated that if enough tests are available after providing services to priority groups, the rest will be provided to the public for free. The province has provided more than 1.5 million tests for parents with children in daycare centers.

In Manitoba, teachers, educational support staff, and individuals working in licensed childcare centers and nurseries can take a quick test at the Fast Pass sites, which are test locations specifically for these important workers. Individuals can also pay for rapid testing at pharmacies across the province.

In Prince Edward Island, people who are not fully vaccinated and working in long-term or community care, frontline public service workers, and children with mild symptoms or asymptomatic but symptomatic children can be tested for rapid antigen. Left the island.

This year, Newfoundland and Labrador set up rapid antigen testing clinics for asymptomatic people. The provincial government recommends that individuals book COVID-19 testing through the provincial website, but individuals can pay for rapid testing at some pharmacies and other medical service providers. The cost ranges from US$60 to US$70, plus management fees and HST.

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