COVID-19 Assessment & Testing

For Albertans with a Physician Referral

Free molecular testing (e.g. PCR) at AHS Assessment Centres is available with a physician referral for:

• Pregnant individuals with symptoms.
• Individuals that may be eligible for anti-viral treatment (Paxlovid or Remdesivir), or who need testing to inform their care.

Individuals in the above categories must ensure their referring physician has sent a lab requisition to AHS before booking an appointment.

Self-referral:

Free molecular testing (e.g., PCR) at an AHS Assessment Centre is available through self-referral. A physician referral is NOT required for:

• Individuals who live or work in high-risk settings including:
  • People with symptoms who live or work in isolated and remote First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities.
  • Healthcare workers and workers in specific high-risk settings.

If you do not fall into the above list, you are not eligible for COVID-19 molecular (e.g. PCR) testing from AHS.

You can use an at-home rapid test to screen for COVID-19. If you don’t have access to one, stay home and away from other people until your symptoms get better.

If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you are recommended to isolate.

Private testing is available, for a fee, for testing related to:

• Travel

If you require COVID-19 testing outside of the public testing program, a variety of fee-for-service options are available through the private sector, including DynaLIFE Medical Labs, Numi Health, Equity Health Services and some pharmacies.

COVID-19 Assessment & Testing

For Healthcare Workers & Workers in Specific High-Risk Settings – Self Referral

People in the settings below should use the button above to determine if they need to book a test.

If you fall into the below groups, you do not require a physician referral to book an appointment.

• Healthcare workers*
• Group home, disability support and shelter workers;
• Correctional facility staff in provincial & federal facilities
• Individuals who provide services in a clinical care setting including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies

*You are considered a healthcare worker if you work in the following settings:

• AHS or Covenant facility in which patient care is provided
• Home Care
• Primary Care
• Diagnostic Imaging or Laboratory Clinics
• Medical Specialty Clinics
• Continuing Care and Licensed Supportive Living Sites
• Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in patient care settings
• Other settings where face-to-face patient care is provided (including emergency medical responders)

Fit for Work Assessment for Healthcare Workers

Complete the Online Questionnaire.