| PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test | RT-LAMP (Loop-mediate Isothermal Amplification) | Rapid Antigen Test | Antibody (serology) Test | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why get tested? |
To meet testing requirements for work, school, travel, entry to events (determined by local policies).
To provide peace-of-mind you are not currently infected with COVID-19. |
To meet testing requirements for work, school, travel, entry to events (determined by local policies) and/or for when you need a molecular test done faster than a PCR test can provide.
To provide peace-of-mind you are not currently infected with COVID-19. |
To meet testing requirements for work, school, travel, entry to events (determined by local policies).
To provide peace-of-mind it’s unlikely you’re infected with COVID-19. |
To determine if you have COVID-19 antibodies.
To track your COVID-19 antibody levels over time. |
| Test purposes |
To screen for active COVID-19 infections.
Not for determining if one previously had COVID-19 or currently has antibodies for the virus. CHL does not test individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please go to an Ontario Public Health COVID-19 assessment centre immediately. |
To screen for active COVID-19 infections
Not for determining if one previously had COVID-19 or currently has antibodies for the virus. CHL does not test individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please go to an Ontario Public Health COVID-19 assessment centre immediately. |
To screen for active COVID-19 infections.
Not for determining if one previously had COVID-19 or currently has antibodies for the virus. CHL does not test individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please go to an Ontario Public Health COVID-19 assessment centre immediately. |
To determine if you currently have antibodies due to a previous COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
Not for determining if an individual currently has a COVID-19 infection. |
| Accuracy | Highly accurate, and the best available for COVID-19 screening purposes. | Highly accurate molecular test, and 98% as accurate as the highest-rated PCR test. | Lower accuracy than PCR tests, but can be a cost-effective tool for frequent screening of a testing population. | Not applicable, as antibody testing does not screen for active infections. |
| Typical results turnaround time |
1 day or more
CHL is 12-18 hours |
Within 30 minutes | 15-30 minutes | 1-3 days |
| Sample collection method | Oral and nasal swab, or saliva | Nasal swab | Nasal swab | Finger prick for blood sample |
| PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test | |
|---|---|
| Why get tested? |
To meet testing requirements for work, school, travel, entry to events (determined by local policies).
To provide peace-of-mind you are not currently infected with COVID-19. |
| Test purposes |
To screen for active COVID-19 infections.
Not for determining if one previously had COVID-19 or currently has antibodies for the virus. CHL does not test individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please go to an Ontario Public Health COVID-19 assessment centre immediately. |
| Accuracy | Highly accurate, and the best available for COVID-19 screening purposes. |
| Typical results turnaround time |
1 day or more
CHL is 12-18 hours |
| Sample collection method | Oral and nasal swab, or saliva |
| RT-LAMP (Loop-mediate Isothermal Amplification) | |
|---|---|
| Why get tested? |
To meet testing requirements for work, school, travel, entry to events (determined by local policies) and/or for when you need a molecular test done faster than a PCR test can provide.
To provide peace-of-mind you are not currently infected with COVID-19. |
| Test purposes |
To screen for active COVID-19 infections
Not for determining if one previously had COVID-19 or currently has antibodies for the virus. CHL does not test individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please go to an Ontario Public Health COVID-19 assessment centre immediately. |
| Accuracy | Highly accurate molecular test, and 98% as accurate as the highest-rated PCR test. |
| Typical results turnaround time | Within 30 minutes |
| Sample collection method | Nasal swab |
| Rapid Antigen Test | |
|---|---|
| Why get tested? |
To meet testing requirements for work, school, travel, entry to events (determined by local policies).
To provide peace-of-mind it’s unlikely you’re infected with COVID-19. |
| Test purposes |
To screen for active COVID-19 infections.
Not for determining if one previously had COVID-19 or currently has antibodies for the virus. CHL does not test individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Please go to an Ontario Public Health COVID-19 assessment centre immediately. |
| Accuracy | Lower accuracy than PCR tests, but can be a cost-effective tool for frequent screening of a testing population. |
| Typical results turnaround time | 15-30 minutes |
| Sample collection method | Nasal swab |
| Antibody (serology) Test | |
|---|---|
| Why get tested? |
To determine if you have COVID-19 antibodies.
To track your COVID-19 antibody levels over time. |
| Test purposes |
To determine if you currently have antibodies due to a previous COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
Not for determining if an individual currently has a COVID-19 infection |
| Accuracy | Not applicable, as antibody testing does not screen for active infections. |
| Typical results turnaround time | 1-3 days |
| Sample collection method | Finger prick for blood sample |