The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyzes upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

We at Spectrum Diagnostics / Calgary Trail Family Medical Clinic use the Health Canada approved state of art equipment that does the Polymerase Chain Reaction using Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology (PCR- NAAT) to amplify small amounts of RNA from specimens into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is replicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable if present. The PCR NAAT test has been the gold standard test for diagnosing COVID-19 since authorized for use in February 2020. It’s accurate and reliable.

A sample will be collected via a nasal swab. The swab will be processed on our site, and the result will be available within 1 hour after testing if you choose to get the same-day result option.

A doctor’s prescription is not necessary for this test.

Please bring a valid ID, your healthcare card, and the email confirmation to your appointment. No specific preparation is required for a COVID-19 test.

We require that all patients wear a mask when they visit our clinic. Please note at our facility COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic persons only for Travel and work / school / social gathering that needs COVID-19 testing and confirmation of negative result. 

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or who have been in close contact with a known case of COVID-19, contact your local Public Health Department by calling 811 from Alberta for further direction.

Yes, please book your appointment online, if you have difficulty booking online please call the clinic and check the booking slot availability and make an appointment by phone.

We do not suggest walk-in as you may end up waiting for a long time. Same day booking slots may be available, check online or call the clinic to find out the availability.

Please use the link in the booking confirmation email or contact the testing clinic location directly to cancel, at least 24 hours in advance of your test.

If you booked your appointment on the same day that you are attending, please contact the testing clinic directly to cancel your appointment.

Appointments for PCR testing must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance in order to receive a refund.

Your test results will be sent to you by email.

Please check your spam folder to see whether your result was delivered to you. If you haven’t received your test result within the time frame mentioned to you, please contact the clinic by phone or email.

At our facility, we do NOT do COVID-19 tests for persons who have COVID-19 symptoms, however, when someone is infected with COVID-19 in the past, the PCR NAAT test can detect the presence of  SARS-CoV-2 virus’s genetic material in the nucleic acids even up to 6 months (varies with individuals) from the last time the person was infected with COVID-19. 

If you were infected with COVID-19 in the past, and if you are able to provide the necessary documentation to validate the history, and currently if you are healthy and asymptomatic, a rapid antigen test will be able to provide you the COVID-19 negative result.  However, if a rapid antigen test result also indicates a positive result or your PCR test result indicates a positive result without you having been infected with COVID-19 in the past, You should contact your local Public Health department for further direction by calling 811 from Alberta.

Rapid screening tests and PCR tests are not covered by provincial health services for those who require a test and documentation for international or domestic travel, recreation, visiting family, or work/school.

Patients can see if they qualify for and where they can obtain government-funded PCR COVID-19 testing by visiting their provincial health or government websites and checking the most recent guidelines.

We invite you to check with your insurance company to find out whether your COVID-19 test is included in your coverage.