Kamloops Covid Testing FAQ

COVID testing in Kamloops questions? Check out the answers to our frequently asked questions below. If there’s something you need more details about that isn’t mentioned here, please get in touch for more information. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

What is the international outbound travel testing criteria?

asymptomatic status (no COVID-19 symptoms)
no known contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
no travel outside of Canada within the past 14 days

What is a COVID-19 PCR Test?

A Kamloops COVID-19 PCR Test is a swab similar to a Q-Tip that is used to collect a sample of body fluid from the anterior nasal area (fribt of nose) and then run through a lab machine for diagnosis.

The PCR Test looks for the genetic material (nucleic acid) of the virus itself; it is the most sensitive and accurate test method available.

Will a negative COVID-19 PCR Test guarantee that I do not have COVID-19?

Although highly accurate and sensitive, the PCR Test may show a false negative result if the person is tested during the incubation period (first 3 days of having COVID-19 when the virus cannot be detected yet).

What is a rapid antigen diagnostic test?

Rapid antigen tests [rapid covid tests] look for antigens. Antigens are proteins that exist on the outer shell of the virus itself (they are part of the virus).

The rapid antigen tests are not as highly sensitive as the PCR test, but are an excellent tool for both screening and during outbreaks in an area/facility.

The rapid antigen test does not require highly sophisticated lab processing; and therefore can be done as a point-of-care test. Results are available within 15 minutes.

What COVID Tests is the USA accepting as documentation of negative COVID results prior to air entry?

The USA accepts PCR and Antigen Tests. Mobile Covid Testing Kamloops performs both tests. As of June 2022, the USA does not require Pre-Departure Covid Testing.

Why can't I just get a blood test (the antibody serology test)?

Antibodies are produced by the human body against those specific antigens (proteins on the outer shell of the COVID-19 virus). The antibody/serology test is used to detect PREVIOUS infection with COVID-19 and NOT recommended to diagnose a CURRENT infection. It is also not currently known whether a positive antibody test result indicates immunity against future COVID-19 infection.

How long is my negative COVID-19 swab test valid for?

COVID-19 tests do not have a range of time that they are valid for. The test is obtained at a point of time, in which exposure to the virus may occur at any point of time after a person is tested (including the time of being tested and arriving at destination country).

Ensure you review your destination country's guidelines related to the length of time after being tested during which you may travel to that country so that your Documentation is still valid upon entry to that country.

Do I need to quarantine upon arrival to my destination country even though I have tested negative?

Each country has different rules (airlines also have different rules). Please ensure you also check with both your Airline and Destination Country's protocols.

Where can I find up-to-date information on rules?

Please ensure you are resourcing your destination country's government websource

Why can't I just get my PCR test done through Public Health?

Screening tests for travel are not covered under the public health system.

Destination countries require proof of COVID-19 clearance within specific timeframes or windows. Mobile Covid Testing Kamloops will provide the results of your COVID-19 Test within the time window (eg: 48 hours, 72 hours, 3 days) required by your destination country.

What if I tested positive for COVID-19 a month ago? I have heard that I could still test positive a month later even though I have recovered and 14 days has passed.

Some countries, for example the USA, require DOCUMENTION OF RECOVERY. See link: https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Global-Airline-Testing-Order-RPWSigned-Encrypted-p.pdf This is a document proving that you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 to 90 days accompanied by a written or electronic document from a licensed health care provider endorsing that you are cleared to travel.

Please check with your destination country and airline for their definitive requirements

Is Kamloops Mobile Covid Testing accredited?

Yes, we are accredited through the Diagnostic Accreditation Program through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.

"The Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, clarified in March 16, 2021 that any site, laboratory, or company that charges for point of care (POC) testing for COVID-19 is required to receive full independent accreditation through the Diagnostic Accreditation Program. This applies to sites using gold standard PCR testing and testing performed by rapid POC tests, including Abbott Panbio, Abbott ID Now, Hyris bCube, BD Veritor and other Health Canada approved devices." (source)