COVID TESTS - ​QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ON THIS PAGE
ABOUT THE TEST
What kind of COVID-19 test is it?
Rapid antigen test: Also known as a lateral flow device or LFD, this test is accepted by only some countries. It is less expensive, faster and more comfortable.
The swab is not inserted as far into the nose. Some countries require a certain standard of rapid antigen test. We are primarily using PANBIO by Abbott which to our knowledge is a universally accepted rapid antigen test. The specifications can be found as the fifth item on the page at:
https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2021-01-26-Abbotts-Panbio-Rapid-Antigen-Test-Receives-CE-Mark-for-Asymptomatic-Screening-and-Self-Administered-Sample-Collection-with-Nasal-Swab
We may also use BTNX rapid response test device. Specifications can be found at https://www.btnx.com/files/1110032811V5_COVID-19_Antigen_Rapid_Test_Device.pdf
What happens if the test is positive?
Rapid antigen test: A positive test means you almost certainly have a COVID-19 infection. The clinic doctor will call you.
What does a negative test mean?
It means you likely are not infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, that is not always the case. If you were infected only a few days before your test, the test result could be falsely negative.
COST FEATURES
What is the cost of the COVID-19 test?
Rapid antigen test: The cost is $80 plus HST per person.
What is the refund policy
We provide a refund if a test report is issued too late or is not carried out due to a technical or other problem. We assume no liability for the consequences of a late-arriving report, such as a missed flight.
Am I asked to pay when I book?
No. Payment is made at the time of your appointment.
Is there a penalty for cancellation?
No.
If I need a second test because of a rescheduled flight, do I have to pay again in full?
Yes.
THE APPOINTMENT
Do I need an appointment
Yes. Please do not come to the door. We will not be able to accommodate you.
Do I have to bring anything to the clinic appointment?
Yes, it is important that you bring photo ID. A passport is best. Please wear a fresh medical (not cloth) mask.
Does the clinic test children?
Yes.
THE LAB REPORT
How long does it take to get the report?
Rapid antigen: Results are typically available within 2 hours.
How do I know when to get tested?
This is not always easy. You will need to find out what is required by your destination-country, any transit-countries and the airlines you are using. How many hours do they give you? When do they start counting the hours? Usually it is from the time the test is performed although a few countries seem to start counting from when the test result is reported by the lab. When do they stop counting? For most countries, it is when you board your first flight although for some it is when you arrive there.
Rapid tests are commonly done one day before departure. However, it is the traveller's responsibility to make their own calculation for their particular trip.
How do I get my lab report?
As a PDF by email
Who do I call if I have not received my report?
Email us at RIversideClinicTest.query@gmail.com
What if there is an error on the lab report?
Unfortunately, this occasionally happens. It may be a misspelling of a name or a wrong date of birth. Sometimes the time of the swab is wrongly entered at the lab. We are going to great lengths to minimize mistakes and to catch them. We then get the report reissued by the lab but this causes a delay.
The error is sometimes the traveller's. Please be sure your name is exactly as on your passport when you book.
We urge you to carefully read over the lab report, looking for any such error. If you spot an error on your report, send a note to us using the mail address that your report arrived from.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
What is a Fit to Fly certificate?
A few countries require a Fit to Fly certificate. This is a letter stating that the traveller is in good health. The doctor may be able to do this upon request. It includes a physical examination. The cost is $300. At this time, Thailand seems to be the main destination country requiring a Fit to Fly document. Email us at RIversideClinicTest.query@gmail.com
The country I am going to might require more documentation...
Requirements vary from country to country and week to week. It is up to you to find out just what you need. We will do our best to meet those requirements but cannot guarantee that. The additional cost is the same as for a COVID certificate.
PITFALLS THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED
If you contract COVID while on your trip it can have implications that you never thought about. A positive PCR COVID test does not revert to negative as soon as your quarantine is over. It stays positive on average for one month and in some cases for several months. You may be stranded for that long period of time if the airline refuses to allow you to return until your test is negative again. Some countries and airlines will allow you to return after quarantine with a doctor's letter and/or proof of both positive tests.
If you fall very sick with COVID while abroad and are unable to return home, you will have to be treated at your destination. Depending where you are going, medical care may not be up to Canadian standards if you are hospitalized. You will also want to be sure you have insurance that covers such an event.
- About the test
- Cost features
- The appointment
- The lab report
- Additional documentation
- Pitfalls that you may not have considered
ABOUT THE TEST
What kind of COVID-19 test is it?
Rapid antigen test: Also known as a lateral flow device or LFD, this test is accepted by only some countries. It is less expensive, faster and more comfortable.
The swab is not inserted as far into the nose. Some countries require a certain standard of rapid antigen test. We are primarily using PANBIO by Abbott which to our knowledge is a universally accepted rapid antigen test. The specifications can be found as the fifth item on the page at:
https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2021-01-26-Abbotts-Panbio-Rapid-Antigen-Test-Receives-CE-Mark-for-Asymptomatic-Screening-and-Self-Administered-Sample-Collection-with-Nasal-Swab
We may also use BTNX rapid response test device. Specifications can be found at https://www.btnx.com/files/1110032811V5_COVID-19_Antigen_Rapid_Test_Device.pdf
What happens if the test is positive?
Rapid antigen test: A positive test means you almost certainly have a COVID-19 infection. The clinic doctor will call you.
What does a negative test mean?
It means you likely are not infected with the COVID-19 virus. However, that is not always the case. If you were infected only a few days before your test, the test result could be falsely negative.
COST FEATURES
What is the cost of the COVID-19 test?
Rapid antigen test: The cost is $80 plus HST per person.
What is the refund policy
We provide a refund if a test report is issued too late or is not carried out due to a technical or other problem. We assume no liability for the consequences of a late-arriving report, such as a missed flight.
Am I asked to pay when I book?
No. Payment is made at the time of your appointment.
Is there a penalty for cancellation?
No.
If I need a second test because of a rescheduled flight, do I have to pay again in full?
Yes.
THE APPOINTMENT
Do I need an appointment
Yes. Please do not come to the door. We will not be able to accommodate you.
Do I have to bring anything to the clinic appointment?
Yes, it is important that you bring photo ID. A passport is best. Please wear a fresh medical (not cloth) mask.
Does the clinic test children?
Yes.
THE LAB REPORT
How long does it take to get the report?
Rapid antigen: Results are typically available within 2 hours.
How do I know when to get tested?
This is not always easy. You will need to find out what is required by your destination-country, any transit-countries and the airlines you are using. How many hours do they give you? When do they start counting the hours? Usually it is from the time the test is performed although a few countries seem to start counting from when the test result is reported by the lab. When do they stop counting? For most countries, it is when you board your first flight although for some it is when you arrive there.
Rapid tests are commonly done one day before departure. However, it is the traveller's responsibility to make their own calculation for their particular trip.
How do I get my lab report?
As a PDF by email
Who do I call if I have not received my report?
Email us at RIversideClinicTest.query@gmail.com
What if there is an error on the lab report?
Unfortunately, this occasionally happens. It may be a misspelling of a name or a wrong date of birth. Sometimes the time of the swab is wrongly entered at the lab. We are going to great lengths to minimize mistakes and to catch them. We then get the report reissued by the lab but this causes a delay.
The error is sometimes the traveller's. Please be sure your name is exactly as on your passport when you book.
We urge you to carefully read over the lab report, looking for any such error. If you spot an error on your report, send a note to us using the mail address that your report arrived from.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
What is a Fit to Fly certificate?
A few countries require a Fit to Fly certificate. This is a letter stating that the traveller is in good health. The doctor may be able to do this upon request. It includes a physical examination. The cost is $300. At this time, Thailand seems to be the main destination country requiring a Fit to Fly document. Email us at RIversideClinicTest.query@gmail.com
The country I am going to might require more documentation...
Requirements vary from country to country and week to week. It is up to you to find out just what you need. We will do our best to meet those requirements but cannot guarantee that. The additional cost is the same as for a COVID certificate.
PITFALLS THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED
If you contract COVID while on your trip it can have implications that you never thought about. A positive PCR COVID test does not revert to negative as soon as your quarantine is over. It stays positive on average for one month and in some cases for several months. You may be stranded for that long period of time if the airline refuses to allow you to return until your test is negative again. Some countries and airlines will allow you to return after quarantine with a doctor's letter and/or proof of both positive tests.
If you fall very sick with COVID while abroad and are unable to return home, you will have to be treated at your destination. Depending where you are going, medical care may not be up to Canadian standards if you are hospitalized. You will also want to be sure you have insurance that covers such an event.
I still have questions. Who can I call?
We are able to answer emails faster than phone messages.
We are able to answer emails faster than phone messages.