Using an at-home kit
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Rapid tests are done by collecting a sample from each nostril, using a swab. The swab will only go a few centimetres inside your nose; it should not hurt. Use tests only as directed.
All rapid antigen tests noted in this section have been approved for use by Health Canada. These kits are safe and effective for self-testing at home – be sure to read the package instructions carefully. As with many medications and at-home care products, please note the following:
- These kits are to be handled and administered by adults
- Do not swallow the solutions, and avoid eye and skin contact
- Wash hands thoroughly after use
- Please keep the test components out of reach of children and animals
- Used tests and components can be safely disposed of in household garbage
Watch this short video below to learn how to perform a nasal swab at home.
Instructions are available in American Sign Language
Watch this short video below to learn how parents and caregivers can use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on a child:
Videos provide a general guide to at-home rapid testing.
Follow the instructions for the test device you are using:
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Abbott Panbio
-
Artron
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BD Veritor
-
BTNX
- SD Biosensor
If you need assistance with the rapid antigen testing instructions including for people with sight loss, please call 8-1-1.
A number of rapid antigen tests have had their expiry dates extended with Health Canada approval, after additional quality testing of the components of the test kits.
All expiration dates have been extended from the expiration date you see on the rapid test kit components for the BD Veritor and Abbott Panbio (nasal and NP) tests that are in use in B.C.
Prepare for the test
- Blow your nose and discard the tissue
- Do not use this test if you have a nose bleed
- Wash your hands with soap
- Gather all testing equipment
You will need
Get the tube ready
- Twist the top off the buffer liquid vial.
- Squeeze all the buffer liquid into the test tube.
- Place the filled test tube in the test tube holder or a clean glass or cup.
Collect the sample
- Remove the swab from the packaging. Touch only the plastic handle.
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Tilt your head back.
- Insert the cotton end of the swab
straight back (not up) into one nostril for 2.5 cm or when you meet resistance
-
Turn the swab against the inside of your nose for 5 seconds.
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Press the side of your nose with your finger to trap the swab. Rotate the swab for 5 seconds
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Repeat same steps in your other nostril.
- Do not use the swab for testing if there is any blood on it. Blow your nose and use a clean swab. If you have had a nose bleed wait 24 hours before testing.
Perform the test
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Gently insert the cotton end of the swab into the test tube:
- Swirl the swab gently in the liquid and squeeze the swab with the sides of the tube 10-15 times.
- Place the tube in the glass or test tube rack and leave with the swab in the solution for
2 minutes.
- With the swab inside,
pinch the outside of the tube with your fingers to get the remaining liquid out of the swab tip.
- Remove the swab and put in the garbage.
- Attach the nozzle to the tube.
Test device
- Open a test device and place it on a flat surface.
- Slowly squeeze 3 drops onto the circle on the test device.
Get your results and clean up
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Readings after 20 minutes may not be accurate.
- Do not move the test device during this time.
- Check your result. Your result could be:
- Put all testing equipment in the garbage
- Wash your hands.
Open the instructions for using your SD Biosensor rapid antigen test device.
ASL | Arabic | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Farsi | French | Korean | Punjabi | Spanish | Vietnamese | Tigrinya
Prepare for the test
- Blow your nose and discard the tissue
- Do not use this test if you have a nose bleed
- Wash your hands with soap
- Gather all testing equipment
You will need:
- 1x sterile swab
- 1x test tube with liquid
- Nozzle cap for tube
- Test tube holder
- a small glass or cup (optional)
- 1x test device
- A timer and garbage can
Get the tube ready
- Carefully peel the sealed cap off the test tube
- Place the test tube in the test tube holder or a clean glass or cup
Collect the sample
- Remove swab from packaging, touch only the plastic handle.
- Tilt your head back.
- Insert the cotton end of the swab straight back (not up) into one nostril for 2.5 cm or when you meet resistance
- Turn the swab against the inside of your nose at least 4 times.
- Repeat same steps in your other nostril.
- Do not use the swab for testing if there is any blood on it. Blow your nose and use a clean swab.
Perform the test
- With the swab inside, with your fingers and stir the swab 10 times.
- Remove the swab from the tube while pinching the sides of the tube to squeeze the cotton tip.
- Put the swab in the garbage.
- Push the plastic nozzle cap firmly on the tube.
Test device
- Open a test device and place it on a flat surface.
- Slowly squeeze 4 drops onto the sample circle on the test device
Get your results and clean up
- Set a timer for 15 minutes. Readings after 30 minutes may not be accurate.
- Do not move the test device during this time.
- Check your result. Your result could be:
- Put all testing equipment in the garbage
- Wash your hands.