COVID-19 PCR Tests: Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for COVID-19 PCR tests for asymptomatic individuals and international travel purposes? Find out everything you need to know here.
As the world continues to deal with the COVID-19 virus and its variants, a cloud of uncertainty prevails over Canadians. For those who are concerned about how the new regulations will impact their work and social lives, getting tested can provide a sense of relief.
PCR testing is a reliable method to detect the presence of COVID-19. At Wellness Pharmacy, we offer COVID-19 PCR tests for asymptomatic individuals and international travel purposes.
Although this type of test is trusted by many, you might still have some questions or concerns. For example, you may be asking yourself:
- “Does the PCR test hurt?”
- “How much does it cost?”
- “What does PCR mean?”
- “How accurate are the test results?”
If you have questions about the PCR test for travel or other purposes, you’ll find this post helpful. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about COVID-19 PCR tests.
COVID-19 PCR Tests: Everything You Need to Know
What is the PCR Test?
The term ‘PCR’ stands for a polymerase chain reaction. It is a rapid and affordable test that determines if you currently have COVID-19. It does not detect past COVID-19 infections, so you should only book a test if you need to know your present status. Further, it is the gold standard test accepted by most countries.
At Wellness Pharmacy, we use a shallow swab during testing to minimize discomfort. After taking the swab sample, we send it out to an accredited laboratory. Typically, the results become available within 2 to 3 days after your appointment. We also offer rush tests that provide results within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that these timelines are estimates only. If your wait time exceeds the timeline for your test type, don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Who Should Take the COVID-19 PCR Test?
We offer the PCR test for the following groups of people:
- Asymptomatic individuals who require a negative COVID-19 test before an upcoming international flight
- Asymptomatic individuals looking for a private-pay COVID-19 test
Please note that we do not offer testing for individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Benefits of Taking the PCR Test
According to this Statista report, Canada has conducted over 52 million COVID-19 tests as of January 3rd, 2022. PCR is the leading testing method to determine if COVID-19 is present or not. That’s why it’s the recommended test by health professionals worldwide. Further, most countries accept this test type, so many people opt for the PCR test for travel purposes.
How Much Does the Test Cost?
The regular (48 hours) PCR COVID-19 Test costs $179 plus tax. The rush (24 hours) PCR COVID-19 Test costs $349 plus tax ($299 plus tax for groups of 2 or more). MSP does not cover this test. If you have private insurance, please inquire with your insurance company to determine if you are covered. Additionally, we can provide you with a receipt for reimbursement if requested.
How to Book an Appointment
You may book your PCR test appointment via:
- Phone
- Online Portal
After booking your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with a link for the intake form. Please complete the form before your appointment and email it to the pharmacy (contact information at the bottom of the confirmation email). We ask that you complete the online COVID-19 screening questionnaire 24 hours before your appointment.
What to Expect During the PCR Test
When you arrive at our pharmacy location, please inform a team member that you are there for your COVID-19 test appointment. We may ask you to wait several minutes while the pharmacist prepares the test for you. Additionally, our team will ask you to pay for the test before the swab.
The pharmacist will then discuss the COVID-19 test procedure with you, and you are welcome to ask any questions. We use a shallow, nasal swab to minimize discomfort. The swab itself will take less than a minute, and the entire process will take about 15 to 30 minutes.
COVID-19 PCR Tests for Travel
If you are planning to travel outside Canada, you may be required to take a PCR test for travel purposes. To travel to most destinations, you must be vaccinated and present a valid PCR/RT-PCR report within a given time frame (usually two days).
Therefore, you should determine and confirm the timing of your flight/travel plans. Airline and destination entry requirements change frequently, so you must stay updated about these changes. Wellness Pharmacy is not responsible for determining any airline or destination entry requirements. Before booking your appointment, ensure you confirm the test type and travel timeline.
How to Interpret Your COVID-19 Test Results
COVID-19 PCR tests have two possible outcomes: positive and negative.
A positive result indicates the presence of the COVID-19 virus. If you are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, you may recover safely without hospitalization. During this time, be sure to quarantine at home and stay in touch with your doctor. In case your symptoms worsen, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
On the other hand, a negative test result indicates the absence of the COVID-19 virus at the time we collected the sample. However, this does not mean you are not susceptible to the infection. You may still acquire the virus and spread it to others.
If you have further questions about what your test results mean, contact our team of helpful pharmacists here.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a business trip, vacation, or a visit with friends and family overseas, a negative PCR test result may be essential. Moreover, the results cannot be more than a few days old. Rest assured, the Wellness Pharmacy team has got you covered.
We offer two types of PCR tests: regular and rush. Regular PCR test results are usually available within 48 hours but may take up to 72 hours. Rush PCR tests results are usually available within 24 hours.
Finally, if you have any questions about PCR tests or want to schedule an appointment, please visit us here.
References:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1028731/covid19-tests-select-countries-worldwide/