By Karen Cay

Limited Supply

Rapid Antigen Self-Tests Available For Use at Home

Oct 28, 2021 | 9:58 AM

Self-testing is safe, easy to use, provides results within 15 minutes and, most importantly, is gentle. Self-tests only take a few seconds to collect a sample using a swab that goes into the soft part of each nostril. These tests can be done almost anywhere, at any time to see if you may have COVID-19.

* Point-of-care rapid antigen self-tests should only be done on people not experiencing COVID symptoms (asymptomatic). Anyone with symptoms should go for a COVID test at the SHA’s current testing sites or drive-thru testing options PCR test. Individuals with symptoms can phone 811 to book a test as well.

Rapid Antigen Self-Testing at Home

With an increased delivery of rapid antigen test kits to the province, the SHA is expanding delivery to make a supply available to the general public to support asymptomatic COVID-19 surveillance.

Routine, voluntary testing at home will help prevent asymptomatic transmission to those who are not able to be vaccinated and will reduce COVID-19 transmission in the community.

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Self-tests are to be used only as a screening tool. The recommendation to seek PCR testing through the Saskatchewan Health Authority and stay home at the first-sign of any symptoms will continue.

See the Self-Test Guide for self-testing at home.. Locations for Rapid Antigen Self Test Kits

Kits will be distributed free to the general public through participating locations throughout the province. Tests will also be provided to First Nations communities across the province through a provincial allocation to Indigenous Services Canada.

Note that these testing kits do not come individually packaged but are in bundles so kits will be distributed quickly. Availability will be based on the locations’ hours of operation and supply. Self-testing kits will be available first come, first served with one kit per household at this time.

Once you have received your rapid test results ….

See the Resources for Positive Self-Test Results Guide and a Negative Self-Test Results Guide.

Those receive a positive result on a self-test should call HealthLine 811 for directions on masking, isolation and arrange to receive a confirmatory lab test (PCR test) through a Saskatchewan Health Authority COVID-19 testing centre. While these self-tests do not diagnose COVID-19, they are effective in screening people who may be COVID-positive, but have no symptoms and require further investigation.