COVID TESTS - ​QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
ON THIS PAGE
ABOUT THE TEST
What kind of COVID-19 test is it?
We offer two different tests:
PCR test: It is a real time, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) also known as a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). It is accepted by most countries. It is done with a long "nasopharyngeal" swab. You can google the term to see a video of how it's done.
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?
PCR test: A positive test means you almost certainly have or have recently had a COVID-19 infection. You will have to self-isolate and call your doctor if you are feeling ill. We will advise Ottawa Public Health and they will call you. A test can also be due to a more remote COVID infection since the test can stay positive for weeks or months. We discuss the meaning of a positive test with each of our clients who test positive.
Rapid antigen test: A positive test means you very likely have or recently have had a COVID-19 infection. However it needs to be confirmed with a PCR test. We will ask you to go to a public testing centre to have a PCR done.
What does a negative test mean?
It means you very 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. This is more often the case with a rapid antigen test.
COST FEATURES
What is the cost of the COVID-19 test?
PCR test: The cost is $198 plus HST per person. Our expedited PCR test is $298 plus tax.
A few countries also require a doctor's letter indicating that the test is negative, in addition to the test report itself. The cost for this is $55.
Rapid antigen test: The cost is $80 plus HST per person.
What is the refund policy
PCR test: We do not provide a refund if a test report arrives too late. This is largely out of our control and depends on how busy the lab is. If a flight is missed because of an error that you report to us on the lab result such as a misspelled name, we will refund the cost of the test in full. We assume no liability for the consequences of a late-arriving report, such as a missed flight.
If a test is not carried out at all due to a technical or other problem, we will refund in full.
Rapid antigen test: 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?
Not for rapid antigen tests nor regular PCR. Payment is made at the time of your appointment. You may be asked to prepay $100 for the expedited PCR and that is not refundable. In that case you will be called for credit card information,
Is there a penalty for cancellation?
There is a penalty only for cancelled expedited PCR tests. The $100 surcharge is not refundable.
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
Absolutely. 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?
PCR: Below age 10, email us. It depends which testers are working on a given day.
Rapid antigen: Below age 5, email us.
THE LAB REPORT
How long does it take to get the report?
PCR: Typically 26-36 hours.
Expedited PCR: Results are typically available the same evening as the test was done, occasionally next morning.
Rapid antigen: Results are available the same day or evening as the test was done.
What's on the lab report?
PCR: Click here.
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.
In practice, most people do their PCR test two days before their departure date. Doing it one day before is risky because the report may not be ready. Expedited PCR tests may be done one day before departure if the report is needed after 12 noon the following day. Rapid tests are commonly done one or two days 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?
We receive faxed report 7 days a week including holidays and evenings. Once received, we scan and email it to you. Please note that we are sending these by regular (unsecured) email. On request we can arrange more confidential delivery but this may be less convenient for you.
Can I get a hard copy of the test result?
You can pick up the faxed report at our office if you prefer. Let us know that when you come in for the test,
Who do I call if I have not received my report?
Email us at RIversideClinicTest.query@gmail.com once 36 hours have passed.
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 "COVID certificate"?
You will be receiving a report issued by the laboratory that is carrying out your COVID-19 PCR test. This is required by most countries. A few countries also require a "COVID certificate" or "COVID letter". This is often just a statement in plain language of what the test itself shows.
We can provide that for you at a cost of $55. Again, at this time most countries do not require this.
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 or nurse practitioner is usually available to do these 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. When booking, please indicate if you want this service.
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 tests
- 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?
We offer two different tests:
PCR test: It is a real time, reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) also known as a NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test). It is accepted by most countries. It is done with a long "nasopharyngeal" swab. You can google the term to see a video of how it's done.
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?
PCR test: A positive test means you almost certainly have or have recently had a COVID-19 infection. You will have to self-isolate and call your doctor if you are feeling ill. We will advise Ottawa Public Health and they will call you. A test can also be due to a more remote COVID infection since the test can stay positive for weeks or months. We discuss the meaning of a positive test with each of our clients who test positive.
Rapid antigen test: A positive test means you very likely have or recently have had a COVID-19 infection. However it needs to be confirmed with a PCR test. We will ask you to go to a public testing centre to have a PCR done.
What does a negative test mean?
It means you very 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. This is more often the case with a rapid antigen test.
COST FEATURES
What is the cost of the COVID-19 test?
PCR test: The cost is $198 plus HST per person. Our expedited PCR test is $298 plus tax.
A few countries also require a doctor's letter indicating that the test is negative, in addition to the test report itself. The cost for this is $55.
Rapid antigen test: The cost is $80 plus HST per person.
What is the refund policy
PCR test: We do not provide a refund if a test report arrives too late. This is largely out of our control and depends on how busy the lab is. If a flight is missed because of an error that you report to us on the lab result such as a misspelled name, we will refund the cost of the test in full. We assume no liability for the consequences of a late-arriving report, such as a missed flight.
If a test is not carried out at all due to a technical or other problem, we will refund in full.
Rapid antigen test: 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?
Not for rapid antigen tests nor regular PCR. Payment is made at the time of your appointment. You may be asked to prepay $100 for the expedited PCR and that is not refundable. In that case you will be called for credit card information,
Is there a penalty for cancellation?
There is a penalty only for cancelled expedited PCR tests. The $100 surcharge is not refundable.
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
Absolutely. 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?
PCR: Below age 10, email us. It depends which testers are working on a given day.
Rapid antigen: Below age 5, email us.
THE LAB REPORT
How long does it take to get the report?
PCR: Typically 26-36 hours.
Expedited PCR: Results are typically available the same evening as the test was done, occasionally next morning.
Rapid antigen: Results are available the same day or evening as the test was done.
What's on the lab report?
PCR: Click here.
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.
In practice, most people do their PCR test two days before their departure date. Doing it one day before is risky because the report may not be ready. Expedited PCR tests may be done one day before departure if the report is needed after 12 noon the following day. Rapid tests are commonly done one or two days 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?
We receive faxed report 7 days a week including holidays and evenings. Once received, we scan and email it to you. Please note that we are sending these by regular (unsecured) email. On request we can arrange more confidential delivery but this may be less convenient for you.
Can I get a hard copy of the test result?
You can pick up the faxed report at our office if you prefer. Let us know that when you come in for the test,
Who do I call if I have not received my report?
Email us at RIversideClinicTest.query@gmail.com once 36 hours have passed.
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 "COVID certificate"?
You will be receiving a report issued by the laboratory that is carrying out your COVID-19 PCR test. This is required by most countries. A few countries also require a "COVID certificate" or "COVID letter". This is often just a statement in plain language of what the test itself shows.
We can provide that for you at a cost of $55. Again, at this time most countries do not require this.
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 or nurse practitioner is usually available to do these 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. When booking, please indicate if you want this service.
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.