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 Nova Scotia
Find out where you can buy or book RAT and PCR COVID-19 tests in Nova Scotia.
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
- PPE Online - In Stock
- Go Test Rapide - In Stock
- Rapid Test & Trace
- The Canadian Shield
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 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.
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:
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
⚠️ COVID-19 testing kits ⚠️
We're checking availability for testing kits every hour but these products sell out quickly and prices can change rapidly. Delivery times are estimated by providers but are also subject to change due to courier delays and supply chain issues.
Some sellers charge prices far above the average ("price gouging"). Be vigilant about unusually high prices, and always consider your options carefully before buying.
1 - 2 of 2
- Nova Scotia Health COVID-19 testing, December 27, 2021
- Nova Scotia Health I need a COVID test for travel, December, 2021
- Nova Scotia Health Visit a COVID testing site, December 2021
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport COVID testing – Halifax, January 2022
- Health Canada COVID-19 rapid testing and screening in workplaces: Get free rapid tests, 24 Dec 2021
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