Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Nova Scotia

Find out where you can buy or book RAT and PCR COVID-19 tests in Nova Scotia.

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.

Omicron is the latest strain of the COVID-19 virus to hit Nova Scotia. With daily case numbers rising, what are your options if you need to get tested?

1. Rapid antigen tests in Nova Scotia

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

BTNX Rapid Response Covid-19 Antigen Test Kit

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

  • $40 for 5-pack
  • Free shipping over $99

Buy now

FlowFlex Rapid Antigen Test

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

  • $12 for 1-pack
  • Free shipping over $99

Buy now

Boson Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Test

Boson Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Test

IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days

- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved

  • $119.99 for 20-pack
  • Free shipping over $99.99

Buy now

Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test

Roche SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test

IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days

- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved

  • $109.99 for 25-pack
  • Free shipping over $99.99

Buy now

BTNX Rapid Test

BTNX Rapid Test

IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days

- Antigen test
- Results in 15 minutes
- Health Canada approved

  • $70 for 5-pack
  • Delivery in 1-5 business days

Buy now

Boson Rapid SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test

Boson Rapid SARS CoV-2 Antigen Test

IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days

- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved

  • $20 for 20-pack
  • Delivery in 1-5 business days

Buy now

Artron Test

Artron Test

IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days

- Antigen test
- Results in 15-20 minutes
- Health Canada approved

  • $275 for 25-pack
  • Delivery in 1-5 business days

Buy now

SD Biosensor Rapid Test

SD Biosensor Rapid Test

IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days

- Antigen test
- Results in 15-30 minutes
- Health Canada approved

  • $350 for 25-pack
  • Delivery in 1-5 business days

Buy now

Antigen At-Home Tele-Test Service

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

  • $40 for 1-pack
  • Delivery in 1-5 business days

Buy now

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 test Halifax

In Halifax, all health-related regulations, including eligibility for Covid-19 tests, mirror the province’s regulations:

  • Individuals need to book an appointment to pick up a rapid antigen test at a testing centre and take it home and perform themselves.
  • To determine if you require a rapid test, you need to complete an online assessment.

Click here to book a Covid-19 test in Halifax

2. PCR tests in Nova Scotia

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 provincial testing guidelines can get one at no cost. To find out if you are eligible for a PCR test in Nova Scotia, click on the blue button below.

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 Nova Scotia

PCR tests for travel in Nova Scotia

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. Here is a list of companies offering fee-based travel testing in Nova Scotia:

As of February 28, 2022, rapid antigen tests are acceptable for travel if taken under the supervision of a medical professional within 1 day of entering or exiting Canada.

How to book a COVID test before arriving at Halifax Stanfield airport

If you are required to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival in Halifax, you can pre-register with Switch Health on their website. Once you arrive at the airport testing area, a Switch Health healthcare professional will administer the test.

Switch Health will deliver your test sample to its lab for processing. Test results are typically available within 72 hours. When your results are available, you will get a notification through your preferred communication method (i.e. text or email) to go to the Switch Health patient portal, ASMO, to view your results.

What you need to know about PCR tests

3. Can I get a free RAT or PCR Covid test in Nova Scotia?

Anyone who needs a test under the Nova Scotia provincial testing guidelines can get 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
Name Product Price From Test Type Results Timeframe (Mins) Stock Availability Benefits
Boson Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Test
Boson Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Test
$119.99 (20-pack)
Antigen
15-20
IN STOCK
Delivery: 3-7 days
BTNX Rapid Test
$70.00 (5-pack)
Antigen
15
IN STOCK
Delivery: 1-5 days
loading

More on COVID testing

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Vancouver

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.

Read more…
Where to get a COVID-19 test in British Columbia

Where to get a COVID-19 test in British Columbia

Here’s where you can find and book a PCR test, rapid antigen test, or buy a home testing kit in British Columbia for Covid-19.

Read more…
Where to get a COVID-19 test in Alberta in June 2023

Where to get a COVID-19 test in Alberta in June 2023

Here’s where you can find and book a PCR test, rapid antigen test, or buy a home testing kit in Alberta for Covid-19.

Read more…

More guides on Finder

Go to site