COVID-19 Rapid tests allows the identification and notification of positive cases within hours and help to reduce the spread of the virus.
Starting this week, Rapid Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) is being introduced by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) in clinical pilots at assessment centres in
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- St. Paul
- Slave Lake
These tests are used on a patient only when
- the patient is showing symptoms, AND
- it hasn’t been 7 days since the symptoms started
If you are eligible and consent to receive a rapid POCT COVID-19 test, two swabs will be collected at the time of your appointment:
- If you test positive, you will be notified and directed to self-isolate by text or call within 1 to 3 hours.
- If you test negative, please note that it is insufficient to rule out COVID-19 and requires further analysis in the lab for confirmation. You will receive a text message or call within 5 to 6 hours directing you to continue to isolate until you receive a follow-up text message or call with the confirmed test result, typically within 48 hours.
Word of the Day:
Insufficient: not enough
More information: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17034.aspx?fbclid=IwAR0wNqvbBwCIOHe3Rr8dplftOcOtH5F0bXaRrajRG-jAXHMy3mQT_jtKGX4#rapid
