Last Updated: December 9, 2020
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There are now two different kinds of tests for COVID-19. One is done by collecting a swab to look for virus, and the other is a blood test to look for antibodies to the virus.
The first test is the one we have been using for several months to determine if you are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus. This is done by a swab test in your nose or throat.
You are eligible for this testing if:
If you do not have symptoms and do not fall into any of the above groups, you are not recommended for testing in Alberta at this time.
To determine whether you are recommended for testing in Alberta, please complete the online assessment tool or call 811 to book your test.
If you have been tested for COVID-19, it is important that you understand what to do while you await your tests results, and what it means if your COVID-19 test is positive or negative.
For travellers participating in the International Border Testing Pilot Program, you will receive your test result by email or a text message. If you choose to receive your test result by email, the message will be encrypted for your privacy. Learn more about viewing encrypted test results.
AHS and Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) have initiated a clinical pilot for use of rapid COVID-19 Point-of-Care Tests (POCT), providing Albertans with faster, more convenient testing for the disease. Two types of POCT for COVID-19 have been rolled out at select sites throughout the province. The tests will be used for patients who are within the first seven days of exhibiting symptoms, enabling APL to quickly identify positive cases. APL is also working on expanding the use of POCT in other locations where they can be of the greatest value for public health authorities to manage COVID-19.
If you are eligible and consent to receive a rapid POCT COVID-19 test, two swabs will be collected at the time of your appointment, as all negative results will require additional confirmation by the lab during the clinical pilot phase.
The notification process for test results is:
If your test is positive, you will receive your result by text message or call within 1 to 3 hours directing you to isolate (if you are not already legally required to do so).
If your POCT test was negative, it is insufficient to rule out COVID-19 and requires further analysis in the lab for confirmation. You will receive a text message or call within 5 to 6 hours directing you to continue to isolate until you receive a follow-up text message or call with the confirmed test result, typically within 48 hours.
Albertans who have symptoms of COVID-19 need to review mandatory isolation requirements and to complete a self-assessment and book an appointment for COVID-19 testing.
UPDATE: Symptoms of runny nose and sore throat have been removed from the mandatory isolation checklist for Albertans under 18, whether they are attending classes, day care or recreational activities as well as individuals 18 years and over attending high school.
Follow these steps immediately to help protect yourself and others around you.
If you have symptoms and your test result for COVID-19 is positive, you are legally required to isolate for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
If you have not had any symptoms, but your test is positive, you are legally required to isolate for 10 days from the date you were tested; this date will change if you develop symptoms.
Complete the COVID-19 Close Contacts Identification Guide and then enter all information into the COVID-19 Close Contacts Tool to identify your close contacts.
Once submitted, contact tracers will review all close contacts and a text message notification will be delivered to all close contacts whose mobile numbers are entered into the tool. Learn more about the contact tracing process. Start identifying your close contacts now.
Learn more about Close Contacts of a COVID-19 Case.
Note: All individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will be contacted by a member of the AHS Public Health team for follow-up and case management.
Healthcare workers do not have any additional requirements and may return to work at the end of their isolation period. AHS, Covenant Health and Alberta Precision Lab employees can refer to COVID-19 Return to Work Guide for AHS Healthcare Workers for further instruction.
If you receive an indeterminate result, we are sorry, but we are unable to accurately determine your test results from the sample provided. You need to get tested again. You must follow any isolation or quarantine directions you were given. To schedule a re-test, visit ahs.ca/testing.
Access your Children’s Test Results on MyHealth Records - As of October 1, 2020
Parents can now access their children’s COVID-19 test results in addition to their own results by signing up for your MyHealth Records account, at alberta.ca/myhealthrecords.
This new feature allows parents and guardians to securely receive their child’s COVID-19 test results and print off the results for those who need them.
MyHealth Records
Any Albertan over the age of 14 who signs-up MyHealth Records is also be able to see their own immunization records, pharmacy history, and other lab results.
For rapid results, Albertans 14 years old or older can also access test results efficiently, online, through MyHealth Records, a secure Alberta government service that helps keep track of your health information. You will need to sign up for a MyAlberta Digital ID to use this service.
International Border Testing Pilot Program
For travellers participating in the International Border Testing Pilot Program, you will receive your test result by email or a text message. If you choose to receive your test result by email, the message will be encrypted for your privacy. Learn more about viewing encrypted test results.
Autodialer & SMS
All Albertans being tested for COVID-19 have the option to receive positive and negative COVID-19 test results over the phone through an autodialer system or via SMS text messaging.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will also be contacted by phone by a member of the AHS Public Health team for follow-up and support.
Individuals who sign up for COVID-19 testing on or after September 10th will be provided with the opportunity at time of booking to consent to receive automated positive and negative test results. If you do not consent to receiving results through the autodialer or SMS text, someone from AHS will call you directly to make sure you get your test results.
Albertans who opt-in to receive an SMS text message, are advised that they may receive your test result anytime within a 24 hour period, day or night seven days a week. Automated phone calls will be delivered between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., seven days a week and SMS text results will be delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Parents and guardians will also be able to consent to receive automated test results for dependents (aged 17 years and younger). Each individual test result will be delivered by a dedicated call or text. This may mean that multiple calls or texts are delivered to a single number provided for a family unit.
The autodialer will make up to three attempts to deliver the test result via a phone call. A voice message that details the test results, positive or negative, will be left on the 3rd and final attempt if the call is still not answered.
Please note: to get your test results by autodialer you will need to remove any anonymous call-blocking settings from your phone so that the autodialer call comes through. Please also make sure you answer any anonymous calls and read anonymous texts from numbers that you do not recognize.
Currently, Albertans should allow seven to 10 days from the time you are swabbed for COVID-19, to have access to your results.
In Alberta, beginning July 2, 2020, serology for COVID-19 will be available primarily for assessing the number of people in Alberta that have of antibodies to COVID-19 and for research use. It will not be available for the general public.
Serology testing is done to determine whether you have had COVID-19 in the past, and now have antibodies against the virus.
A positive serology does NOT mean a patient is immune to COVID-19. At this time, there is a lack of evidence on whether having antibodies to COVID-19 means you are protected against reinfection with COVID-19 and if so, how long that protection would last. Ongoing studies will help reveal more information to answer these questions.