Testing Advice and Guidance

Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
 

Testing is only recommended for people who are at high risk for serious outcomes as they need to know if they have COVID-19 to receive early treatment options such as antivirals. Please contact your health care provider if you are at high risk for severe disease to determine if testing (PCR or rapid antigen test) is recommended for you.

If testing is not recommended for you, you should follow public health guidance on staying home and away from others until you feel well enough to return to regular activities at Province of Manitoba | Next Steps with Symptoms or Exposure (gov.mb.ca). You may use a rapid antigen test if you wish, which continue to be available at many locations across the province.

 

On this page:

 


 

PCR Testing

The PCR test performed at a laboratory is the "gold standard" test because it is more sensitive. For some people, and in some circumstances, it is recommended that a PCR test be provided. Only eligible people can access PCR testing in Manitoba. Your health care provider will determine whether a PCR test is needed based on your specific situation, which may include:

Eligible people can access PCR testing through their health care provider or call Health Links- Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.

Individuals who have had a PCR test for COVID-19 can access all of their previous test results at the Shared Health portal at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/. Individuals who experience an issue accessing their records can request support at Immunization Update Request Form.

 


 

Rapid Antigen Testing

COVID-19 rapid antigen tests detect proteins on the surface and inside of the COVID-19 virus. These proteins are released after breaking up the virus using a simple soap solution, which is provided with the test.

These tests are easy to use and give results quickly. Most provide a result within 10 to 20 minutes, which reflects your health status at the time of the test. Rapid antigen tests are single use only.

Rapid antigen test kits are currently available free of charge at many locations across the province, including pharmacies, doctor's offices, retail locations, community libraries and City of Winnipeg facilities Province of Manitoba|Testing. Rapid antigen tests are safe to use and most have been authorized for use by Health Canada for use on individuals two years or older. Adults should perform the nasal swab for young children and supervise older youth as they perform a nasal swab. Individuals who are symptomatic, are recommended to be tested and are unable to take a self-test should visit a health care provider. Further information on the safety of rapid antigen test kits can be found at: Rapid antigen test kits and potential exposure to hazardous substances - Canada.ca Instructions on how to use rapid antigen tests are included in each kit. Pay particular attention to how to collect the best sample and the incubation time (the time you need to wait until you read the results). Not following the steps properly, including not waiting long enough or waiting too long to read the test result, can lead to an incorrect result.

 

Rapid Antigen Test - Nasal Swab Instructions:

 

Follow the manufacturer instructions on how to perform the test:

 

Expired Tests

Each manufacturer of rapid antigen tests has determined a different expiry/shelf-life for their product. If your test kit has expired, it can be safely discarded in household waste. Many kits can be separated into recyclable paper and regular waste. In most cases, Health Canada has not reviewed evidence demonstrating the continued safety and effectiveness of a test beyond its expiry date (either original expiry or extended expiry). The results of an expired test may not be accurate and so it is recommended that people use tests that are not expired.

 

Results from a Rapid Antigen Test - Next Steps

If you get a positive result, you should:

If you get a negative result, it means that COVID-19 was not detected, but you may still have COVID-19. You may wish to test at least once more and wait one to two days between tests.

Although your rapid antigen tests are negative, you should continue to stay home and away from others until your symptoms have improved, you feel well enough to resume normal activities, and you are free of fever for around 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen).

If your symptoms worsen you should speak with your health care provider or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.

 

Invalid Test

If your rapid antigen tests result is invalid (doesn't match negative or positive), repeat the test.

 


 

Rapid Antigen Test Locations

Rapid antigen tests are only recommended for people who are at high risk for serious outcomes as they need to know if they have COVID-19 to receive early treatment options such as antivirals. However, anyone with symptoms may wish to use rapid antigen test kits, which currently continue to be available at no cost at many locations across the province. Please note that hours and supply are subject to change. Manitobans who are at high risk of severe disease and who may be eligible for treatment are encouraged to pick up rapid antigen tests to have on hand, before they develop symptoms.

 

 

How to Use the Map

How to Use the List


back to top