Rapid Antigen Testing

This page provides information on rapid antigen testing and instructions on how to use them.

Last updated: November 1, 2024

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) work best for people who already have symptoms. Testing too early, before you have symptoms may result in a false negative.

People who may benefit from treatment can be prescribed medications based on a positive result from a rapid antigen test.

It’s important to seek medical care if you feel unwell, regardless of your result.

There will be an ongoing supply of rapid antigen tests available for free at many community pharmacies throughout the 2024-25 respiratory season. You don’t have to show ID. If you can’t go to a pharmacy, a friend or family member can pick up a test kit for you.

Find a participating pharmacy

Please discard test kits that have expired.

Using an at-home kit

Rapid tests are done by collecting a sample from each nostril, using a swab. The swab will only go a few centimetres inside your nose; it should not hurt. Use tests only as directed.

Children 14 years and younger shouldn't use a test without adult supervision
Do not swallow the solutions, and avoid eye and skin contact
Wash hands thoroughly after use
Keep the test components out of reach of children and animals
Used tests and components can be safely disposed of in household garbage.

Only us rapid antigen test kits that have been approved for use by Health Canada. Each kit comes with instructions on how to use the tests. You can also ask the pharmacist if you have questions.

If you need assistance with the rapid antigen testing instructions including for people with sight loss, please call 8-1-1.

Videos

How to perform a nasal swab at home

Instructions are available in American Sign Language.

How parents and caregivers can use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on a child

Videos provide a general guide to at-home rapid testing, follow the specific instructions for your test.

Artron

Open the instructions for using your Artron test

Instructions document is currently available in the following languages:

Prepare for the test

Blow your nose and discard the tissue
Do not use this test if you have a nose bleed
Wash your hands with soap
Gather all testing equipment

You will need:

1x sterile swab
1x test tube with buffer liquid
1x cap for test tube
Test tube rack or a small glass
1x test device
A timer and garbage can

Get the tube ready

Peel the foil off the filled test tube.
Place the filled test tube in the test tube holder or a clean glass or cup

Collect the sample

Remove the swab from the packaging. Touch only the plastic handle.
Tilt your head back.
Insert the cotton end of the swab straight back (not up) into one nostril for 1.5 cm.
Turn the swab against the inside of your nose for 5 seconds.
Place the swab against the inside of your nose to sample nasal fluid. Gently and slowly rotate 5 times.
Repeat the same steps in your other nostril.
Do not use the swab for testing if there is any blood on it. Blow your nose and use a clean swab. If you have had a nosebleed wait 24 hours before testing.

Perform the test

Gently insert the cotton end of the swab into the test tube.
Swirl the swab gently in the liquid 10 times.
With the swab inside, pinch the outside of the tube with your fingers to get the remaining liquid out of the swab tip.
Remove the swab and put it in the garbage.
Push the cap firmly on the test tube.

Test device

Open a test device and place it on a flat surface.
Slowly squeeze 4 drops onto the circle on the test device, do not touch the device with the test tube.

Get your results and clean up

Set a timer for 30 minutes. Readings after 30 minutes may not be accurate.
Do not move the test device during this time.
Check your result. Your result could be:
Positive
Negative
Invalid
Put all testing equipment in the garbage
Wash your hands.

Test Results

Negative result

For people who are not eligible for treatment

If your result is negative, it means COVID-19 was not detected. It is still possible that you have COVID-19.
Stay home until your symptoms improve, you don’t have a fever, and you feel well enough to return to regular activities.

For people who are eligible for treatment

If you continue to feel sick or your symptoms worsen, repeat the test in 24 hours.
You may repeat the test every day for 5 days as long as you feel you are not improving. If the test remains negative by day 5 of your illness, it is unlikely you have COVID-19.
If you are concerned about your health, you should contact your health care provider. They may suggest additional testing based on a clinical evaluation.

Positive result

If your result is positive, it means COVID-19 was detected. You likely have COVID-19 and you could pass it on to others.

For information on next steps including checking if you may benefit from treatment, and managing symptoms, go to:

I have COVID-19

There are some treatments available for people who tested positive for COVID-19, who are not in hospital, and who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. To find out if you may benefit from treatment and how to get the treatment, visit: gov.bc.ca/covidtreatments.

Invalid result

If your test is not valid, discard all the pieces from the first test.
Wash your hands and repeat the process using a second set of test pieces.
Follow the test instructions again.

It can take 3 to 7 days after infection for there to be enough antigens to be detected by the test. If a person with COVID-19 tests too soon after they become infected, the test result can incorrectly show as negative; this is called a false negative.

Rapid antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests. This means that the chances of a false-negative test are higher with rapid antigen tests than PCR tests. The sensitivity of rapid antigen tests is higher for people with symptoms than for people without symptoms.

Accessibility

If you are blind or partially sighted and need assistance to read your rapid antigen test result the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, CNIB recommends the free service provided by Be My Eyes.

Download the free Bemyeyes.com app

Common Questions

Rapid antigen tests are recommended for use by people who currently have symptoms of COVID-19. The tests are not recommended for children under 5 years because if the test is not carried out by a healthcare provider the swab can injure their nose.

See answers to frequently asked questions about rapid antigen testing at home.

Do I need to get a PCR test to confirm I have COVID-19 after a positive rapid antigen test?

No. False positives with rapid antigen tests are rare.

If you test positive for COVID-19, learn what to do if you have COVID-19.

Can I use a test to be sure I don’t have COVID-19 before I visit my friend’s new baby/attend a wedding?

Rapid antigen tests are best at detecting COVID-19 when used by those who are experiencing symptoms. A negative result means that COVID-19 was not detected at that time. It does not guarantee you do not have COVID-19.

I tested negative but I still have symptoms. Should I repeat the rapid antigen test again?

Generally, people who are symptomatic and test negative should stay home until they feel well enough to participate in regular day-to-day activities. You do not need to test again as many respiratory infections have similar symptoms.

People who are eligible for treatment can repeat the test in 24 hours if you continue to feel sick or your symptoms worsen. You may repeat the test every day for 5 days as long as you feel you are not improving. If the test remains negative by day 5 of your illness, it is unlikely you have COVID-19.

If you have difficulty managing your symptoms, or if you are eligible for antiviral treatment for COVID-19, then you should consult your healthcare provider.

I tested positive for COVID-19. Should I continue to test until I have a negative result?

After a positive COVID-19 test you should stay home until your fever has resolved and you feel well enough to return to your usual activities. Seek care if you cannot manage your symptoms at home.

You do not need a negative rapid antigen test as proof that it is safe to return to your normal activities.

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