Question 1

How do I know if I am eligible to be tested?

Answer

You must be asymptomatic and meet the criteria for asymptomatic testing. In order to be eligible for testing, you must: • Be asymptomatic (you have no symptoms of COVID-19)* • Have not been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days** • Have not travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days • Have not been advised to get tested for COVID-19 through an exposure notification through the COVID-19 app • Have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 30 days • Have not previously tested positive within the past 30 days
*Fever, new onset of cough, worsening chronic cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, decrease of loss of sense of taste or smell, chills, headaches, unexplained fatigue/malaise/muscle aches, (myalgias), nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pink eye, (conjunctivitis), runny nose or nasal congestion without other known cause.

** In the past 14 days, have not had close contact with someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19 and have not been notified by public health that you may have come in contact with someone who has COVID-19.

Question 2

When will I receive my results?

Answer

Results will typically be available from the accredited testing lab within 48 hours.

Question 3

What is the fee for the COVID-19 test?

Answer

The cost of the COVID-19 test is $160 plus applicable provincial tax. This test is not covered by OHIP; however, it may be covered under your private insurance provider. Please contact your benefits provider for more information.

Question 4

How do I book an appointment?

Answer

Please call 905-381-4420 to book an appointment.

Question 5

When should I arrive for my appointment?

Answer

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Please remember to bring proper identification with you to your appointment.

Question 6

How can I cancel or make changes to my appointment?

Answer

Please call Hauser's Hamilton Pharmacy directly at 905-381-4420 to cancel or make changes to your appointment. Please note that 24 hours notice is required for cancelling appointments.

Question 7

How will I receive my results?

Answer

You will receive your results via email from the accredited testing lab, via the email address you provided. You can also check your results online if you have a Green and White Health Card (https://covid19results.ehealthontario.ca:4443/agree). Test results are generally available in 4-5 days, based on timelines provided by the Ministry’s selected lab partner. Hauser's does not control these timelines.

Question 8

How many people can I book at a time?

Answer

You can only book one person per appointment.

Question 9

How long will my appointment take?

Answer

Please allow approximately 15-30 minutes for your appointment.

Question 10

What symptons may exclude me from being tested?

Answer

Testing is NOT available if you are experiencing these symptoms: • Fever • New onset of cough or worsening chronic cough • New or worsening shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Sore throat • Runny nose • Chills • Painful swallowing • Stuffy nose • Headache • Muscle or joint ache • Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or
• Unexplained loss of appetite • Loss of sense of smell or taste • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Question 11

What should I bring with me?

Answer

Please bring your Ontario health (OHIP) card, a face covering or mask (wear one at all times) and assistive or accessibility devices (if you need them). Please also keep in mind to follow public health measures, including: 1.) Wear a face covering or mask (only take it down below your nose when you are told to) 2.) Keeping at least 2 metres away from people you do not live with and 3.) Washing or sanitizing your hands often

Question 12

Can I bring someone with me?

Answer

If possible, please avoid bringing people with you (if they are not getting tested as well). If you need someone with you during the test, call 905-381-4420 to notify staff ahead of time to confirm if this is possible.

Question 13

What should I do while I wait for my test result?

Answer

If you have COVID-19 symptoms and/or were exposed to a known COVID-19 case, including getting a COVID Alert notification, you should self-isolate (stay at home) while you wait for your result.

Question 14

What do I do if test POSITIVE?

Answer

A positive result means it is likely that you have the virus. • You must self-isolate (stay at home) until public health clears you. • Your local public health unit will contact you and ask you contact tracing questions. They will also let you know when you can stop self-isolating.
• Contact your doctor or health care provider for more information and guidance.

Question 15

What do I do if I test NEGATIVE?

Answer

A negative result means we were not able to detect the virus at the time of your test. You should continue to follow COVID-19 public health measures, including wearing a face covering, frequent handwashing, and maintaining physical distance from those outside your household. Pay attention to your health to note if anything changes. If you were exposed to a COVID-19 positive person and test negative, you must continue to self-isolate for 14 days after your last exposure with that person, even if you test negative.

Question 16

Who can get tested?

Answer

Screening is available to anyone who meets the asymptomatic criteria. In order to be screened in the pharmacy you must: • Be asymptomatic (you have no symptoms of COVID-19) • Have not been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days • Have not travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days • Have not been advised to get tested for COVID-19 through an exposure notification through the COVID-19 app •Have not previously tested positive for COVID-19

IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, new onset of cough, worsening chronic cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, decrease or loss of sense of taste or smell, chills, headaches, unexplained fatigue/malaise/muscle aches (myalgias), nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pink eye (conjunctivitis), runny nose or nasal congestion without other known cause please contact an assessment centre for testing and/or seek medical attention.

Question 17

What is a rapid COVID-19 antigen screening test? What is the difference between testing and screening?

Answer

A rapid COVID-19 antigen screen is NOT used to diagnose COVID-19, so it’s different from a COVID-19 test. Here are a few key differences:Screening can identify antigens: • A rapid COVID-19 antigen screen may identify the presence of antigens in your body. • Antigens are specific proteins on a virus’s surface. This may indicate that you have an active COVID-19 infection. A follow-up COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is needed to confirm a COVID-19 diagnosis. Screening is faster: • Results from antigen screens are ready in 15-20 minutes, and don’t need to be sent to a lab. • Screening can be done in pharmacies. This is much faster than a COVID-19 test, but it may be less sensitive. • A preliminary positive screen needs a follow-up test: If you get a preliminary positive result from the rapid COVID-19 antigen screening, it does not confirm a diagnosis of COVID-19. • To confirm a diagnosis of COVID-19, you must contact Public Health and attend a COVID-19 Assessment Center to follow up with a COVID-19 test – called a Polymerase Chain Reaction (or PCR) test – to confirm a diagnosis of COVID-19. This test is sent to a lab, and results are available within a few days..

Question 18

What is the purpose of screening?

Answer

Rapid screening can help to identify possible COVID-19 infections and may limit the risk of unknown spread; it does not provide a diagnosis of COVID-19. Rapid COVID-19 antigen screening is an additional step, beyond existing health and safety measures. It must be used along with Public Health guidelines, including social distancing, hand washing, enhanced cleaning, and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks. Rapid COVID-19 antigen screening is NOT the same as a COVID-19 test, and it does NOT prevent someone from getting COVID-19. If a screen comes back preliminary positive, a follow-up PCR test at a COVID-19 Assessment Center is required to confirm a diagnosis.

Question 19

How do I book an appointment?

Answer

Please call 905-381-4420 to book an appointment.

Question 20

Am I eligible for this screening even if I've had my Covid-19 vaccines?

Answer

Yes, individuals who have already received the COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible for rapid antigen screening.

Question 21

How can I cancel or make changes to my appointment?

Answer

Please call Hauser's Hamilton Pharmacy directly at 905-381-4420 to cancel or make changes to your appointment. Please note that 24 hours notice is required for cancelling appointments.

Question 22

How will I receive my results?

Answer

Results will be ready in 15+/- minutes.