PCR Testing - MEDCAN

COVID-19 Asymptomatic PCR testing:
Powered by Switch Health

Get the reassurance you need with a PCR test

Medcan has teamed up with Switch Health, a leader in COVID-19 testing, to provide fast, safe and reliable testing—including guaranteed next-day results.^*

Whether you’ve been advised to get tested by your employer, have an upcoming surgery, or plan to visit a loved one at a nursing home, if you’re asymptomatic, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can identify if you currently have the COVID-19 virus.

What is it?

Unlike an antibody test, which uses a sample of blood to see if you were previously in contact with COVID-19, this molecular test uses a nasal swab to determine if you’re currently infected. To learn more about Medcan’s antibody test, click here.

Who can take the test?

If in the last 14 days you have had no COVID-19 symptoms, zero close contact with someone who has, and haven’t travelled outside of the country, we welcome you to book a PCR test on-site at Medcan. If you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please visit a COVID-19 assessment centre.

How much does it cost?

Medcan members receive 10% off the test’s retail value: $250 (+HST) if taken on-site at Medcan and $320 (+HST)** if taken at home.

What can be expected?

Wearing a face mask that covers both your nose and mouth, you’ll be asked to enter the designated testing room and sanitize your hands.
A Switch Health nurse will ask you to identify yourself and will confirm your name, date of birth, etc. You’ll also be asked additional health screening questions about your travel history, confirmed case contacts, symptoms and health status.
Before getting started, the nurse will explain the collection procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Right before your test, you’ll be asked to lower your face mask to expose your nose.
The nurse will insert the swab into your nostril until it reaches the required depth. It will be rotated to ensure adequate sample coverage and repeated in both nostrils.
Once complete, you’ll be asked to raise your face mask to cover your nose and mouth once again.

When will I receive my results?

A trusted laboratory partner will run the swab on a standard PCR testing machine that’s approved by Health Canada, then upload your next-day results^* to the Switch Health Patient Portal. To register you account prior to testing, click here.

When your test results are available, you’ll be notified via text message. If your test results are positive, you’ll receive a phone call from a Switch Health physician who will notify your local Public Health Unit on your behalf.

How does PCR testing benefit travellers?

If you require PCR testing to travel outside of Canada, we’ll help you meet your destination country’s COVID-19 travel clearance requirements—with a wet signature from one of Switch Health’s physicians, a copy of your test results with your passport number (optional), and/or the option of a nasopharyngeal or bilateral anterior nasal collection method.

Can I take a PCR test at a COVID-19 assessment centre if I’m not experiencing any symptoms?

PCR testing is currently available at provincial COVID-19 assessment centres for individuals who meet certain conditions as outlined by the Province, including those who wish to visit long-term care homes. Since these conditions may change, we suggest you refer to the Government of Ontario website for more information.

*Medcan clients will be required to register for the Switch Health Patient Portal to allow for the requisition of their PCR test, and for results reporting. Next-day reporting of test results is provided solely through the Switch Health portal. There may be circumstances which are out of Medcan’s and Switch Health’s control where laboratory turnaround times are greater than next day. On such rare occurrences, Medcan will not provide reimbursements for late results, although we will make every effort to notify you of such delays. Rare occurrences include inconclusive results where multiple testing is required, and where the viral load is too low to detect. In the event that you test positive for COVID-19, you will be contacted by a physician from Switch Health to discuss your results and next steps. Switch Health uses a test approved by Health Canada. The test provides a relative measure of viral quantity in a specimen. In the event that you test positive and the quantity reported is lower, certain Public Health units may require a confirmatory test.

**A mileage-based surcharge will be applied to in-home appointments that take place outside the Greater Toronto Area. We require 48 hours’ notice to book in-home PCR tests.

COVID-19 Asymptomatic PCR testing:Powered by Switch Health