The information on this page is current as of March 11, 2022. Visit the Government of Canada website for the latest updates on COVID testing requirements, vaccinations, travel restrictions and more.
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Where to get a COVID-19 test in British Columbia
Find out where you can buy or book RAT and PCR COVID-19 tests in BC.
Omicron is the latest strain of the COVID-19 virus to hit British Columbia. With daily case numbers rising, what are your options if you need to get tested?
1. Rapid antigen tests in British Columbia
If you need your results as quickly as possible, a rapid antigen test (RAT) is your best option. These kits can be used at home without a medical professional and do not require you to send the test to a lab. Results typically take 10-15 minutes.
The downside of rapid antigen tests are twofold: they are less accurate than a PCR test and cannot be used for travel unless administered or observed by a medical professional within 1 day prior to entering or exiting the country.
Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada
- PPE Supply Canada - In Stock
- PPE Online - In Stock
- Go Test Rapide - In Stock
- Rapid Test & Trace
- The Canadian Shield
BTNX Rapid Response Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit
IN STOCK
- 20% off at checkout
- Delivery: 1-5 business days
- Same-day shipping on all orders placed by 4PM EST
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
FlowFlex Rapid Antigen Test
IN STOCK
- 20% off at checkout
- Delivery: 1-5 business days
- Free Shipping over $99
- Same-day shipping on all orders placed by 4PM EST
- Non-invasive rapid antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Boson Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved
BTNX Rapid Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Boson Rapid SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Artron Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved
SD Biosensor Rapid Test
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Results in 15-30 minutes
- Health Canada approved
Antigen At-Home Tele-Test Service
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
- Antigen test
- Administered by health professional via video call
- Results within 1 hour
- Approved for travel to some countries
How it works
If you’re going to a clinic, you’ll take a swab sample under the supervision of a professional or the professional will take it for you. Once the swab is taken, the results can appear in as little as 15 minutes.
If you’re taking an at-home rapid antigen test, you’ll collect your own swab sample from your tonsils, nostrils or both (whichever the instructions specify). Some providers may require that you swab your nose or throat under the supervision of a professional via Zoom or some other video chat service. You’ll be instructed on how to test your sample. Results appear in 10-15 mins. Compare home testing kits below.
Read our guide on rapid antigen tests
Rapid antigen tests in Vancouver
In Vancouver, all health-related regulations, including eligibility for Covid-19 tests, mirror the province’s regulations. Testing is available on an appointment, walk-in, and drive-through basis depending on the location. Testing is recommended for:
- People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
- People 18 years of age and older who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
- Individuals who live or work in high-risk settings
2. PCR tests in British Columbia
A PCR test can also be referred to as a “molecular test”. It’s an accurate and reliable way to diagnose Covid-19. Anyone who needs a test under the British Columbia provincial testing recommendations can get one at no cost.
You can get a PCR test at a doctor’s office, pharmacy, private blood test clinic, pop-up test site, or at home under the virtual supervision of a medical professional. It involves taking a swab from the tonsils, nostrils or both. The swab is then sent to a lab for analysis where it will isolate the RNA (a single-stranded molecule that’s taken from DNA) and mix it with other ingredients to detect the presence of Covid-19. Results from a PCR test usually take 2-5 days to process.
Click here to find and book a PCR test in British Columbia
PCR tests for travel in British Columbia
PCR tests are currently required by the government of Canada to travel internationally. Your test must be taken no more than 72 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time from Canada and you will need to show the airline your negative result prior to check-in. PCR tests for travel are not publicly funded and typically cost anywhere from $100 to around $200.
As of February 28, 2022, rapid antigen tests are acceptable for international travel if taken under the supervision of a medical professional within 1 day of entering or exiting Canada.
Click here for a list of private clinics travel testing in BC
How to book a PCR test before arriving at Vancouver International airport
If you are required to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival in Vancouver, you can pre-register with LifeLabs – On Arrival on their website. Once you arrive at the airport testing area, a LifeLabs healthcare professional will administer the test free of charge.
LifeLabs will deliver your test sample to its lab for processing. Test results are typically available within 72 hours.
What you need to know about PCR tests
3. Can I get a free RAT or PCR Covid test in British Columbia?
Anyone who needs a test under the British Columbia provincial testing recommendations can get a rapid antigen test or, if deemed necessary, a PCR test at no cost. You may be able to get free rapid antigen COVID tests for your business or organization from the Government of Canada and some provincial/territorial governments.
Large businesses that qualify for free tests and have 200+ employees will be supplied by the federal government. Businesses that qualify and have 0-199 employees will be supplied by provincial/territorial governments. Registered charities, non-profit and Indigenous organizations will be supplied by the Red Cross.
To apply for free tests, visit the federal government’s website and be prepared to provide the following details:
- Name of your organization
- Point of contact for your organization
- Number of employees you employ in Canada
- Provinces and/or territories in which these employees work
Where to buy COVID home testing kits in Canada
1 - 2 of 2
- Health Canada COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces: Get free rapid tests, Last updated 24 Dec 2021
- BC Centre for Disease Control, January 18, 2022
- BC Thrive Health Where to Get a COVID-19 Test in BC, January 18, 2022
- British Columbia COVID-19 Collection Centres, January 18, 2022
- COVID-19 Testing at YVR, 2022
More on COVID testing
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Vancouver
Here’s where you can find and book a rapid antigen test, PCR test or buy a home testing kit in Vancouver, BC for Covid-19.
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