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COVID-19 Rapid Antigen testing:

woman receiving nasal swab






Peace of mind in rapid time

Medcan offers asymptomatic Rapid Antigen testing—a quick and affordable nasal swab test that provides early detection of COVID-19 viral proteins. Offering results in just 15 minutes, this type of testing is optimal for those planning to travel, or for clients looking for quick reassurance.*

Include it as an add-on to your Annual Health Assessment or schedule a standalone appointment.

What is a Rapid Antigen test?

Rapid Antigen testing (often referred to as a rapid test) detects protein fragments specific to the COVID-19 virus. It is intended to be used by asymptomatic individuals for screening purposes. Unlike our In-Clinic and In-Home PCR testing options, which offer same- or next-day** results, Rapid Antigen test results are reported much sooner—within just 15 minutes.

Who is eligible to take the test?

If in the last 14 days you have had no COVID-19 symptoms, zero close contact with someone who has, and haven’t travelled outside of the country, we welcome you to book a Rapid Antigen test on-site at Medcan. If you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please visit a COVID-19 assessment centre. If you’d like to book a Rapid Antigen test on the same day as another appointment at Medcan, please be sure to book your test 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

How much does it cost?

Rapid Antigen tests can be purchased for $78 + HST (or $70 + HST for members).

Can’t make it in-person? Try our Switch Health’s Rapid Antigen Kits (2-pack)—convenient and portable COVID-19 tests that can be fully self-administered with the virtual guidance of a Switch Health nurse. Results are shared on the Switch Heath portal within 15 minutes, depending on courier pick-up times. Learn more about how the take home kits work here.

What can be expected?

  • Wearing a face mask that covers both your nose and mouth, you’ll be asked to enter the designated testing room and sanitize your hands.
  • A nurse will ask you to identify yourself and will confirm your name, date of birth, etc. You’ll also be asked additional health screening questions about your travel history, confirmed case contacts, symptoms and health status.
  • Before getting started, the nurse will explain the collection procedure and answer any questions you may have.
  • Right before your test, you’ll be asked to lower your face mask to expose your nose.
  • The nurse will insert the swab into your nostril until it reaches the required depth. It will be rotated to ensure adequate sample coverage and repeated in both nostrils.
  • Once complete, you’ll be asked to raise your face mask to cover your nose and mouth once again.
  • At this point, you will be asked to wait for 15 minutes prior to receiving your results.

When are results available?

For in-clinic visits at Medcan, you will be provided with a printed copy by a Medcan nurse within 15 minutes.

If you test positive, you will need to take a PCR test to confirm your results. You will be asked to visit your local COVID-19 assessment centre to test. .

*Rapid Antigen testing is used for screening purposes only and should NOT be used for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in symptomatic individuals or individuals with known close contact with a positive COVID-19 case. Rapid Antigen testing does not prevent someone from getting COVID-19. Rapid Antigen testing can be thought of as an additional screening tool, and does not replace public health measures such as symptom screening, physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene.

**Medcan clients will be required to register for the Switch Health Patient Portal to allow for the requisition of their PCR test, and for results reporting. Same- or next-day reporting of test results is provided solely through the Switch Health portal, and results will be shared before 11:59 p.m. the following day. There may be circumstances which are out of Medcan’s and Switch Health’s control where laboratory turnaround times are greater than next day. On such rare occurrences, Medcan will not provide reimbursements for late results, although we will make every effort to notify you of such delays. Rare occurrences include inconclusive results where multiple testing is required, and where the viral load is too low to detect. In the event that you test positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted by a physician from Switch Health to discuss your results and next steps. Switch Health uses a test approved by Health Canada. The test provides a relative measure of viral quantity in a specimen. In the event that you test positive and the quantity reported is lower, certain Public Health units may require a confirmatory test.