General Questions

  • Who do you perform Covid testing on?

    We perform Covid-19 testing for travel as well as COVID infection detection

  • Can the results be used for travel?

    Yes, the results can be used for travel

  • When the test is completed are you able to produce a results document?

    Yes, we are able to produce a results document for school, work or travel.

  • Does the cost of the test include the travel document?

    Yes the cost of the test includes the travel document

  • If the test is positive and I need a certificate of recovery is this included?

    No, a certificate of recovery is a separate charge.

  • How do you provide test results?

    We provide you with a hard copy of the results and we will send you an electronic version via encrypted email.

  • Can my passport information be added to the testing certificate?

    Yes, we are able to able your passport information to the testing certificate

  • How does your clinic differ from other clinics who offer travel testing?

    We can offer testing for patients with or without symptoms of covid. This can be used for travel or to detect covid infections.

    We also offer a combined flu/covid swab since many covid symptoms are similar to the flu. This will help differentiate if your symptoms are related to the flu or to covid. This will help guide the appropriate treatment as treatment is different for these 2 infections.

  • What types of tests do you perform?

    We perform the rapid antigen test and a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) which is has equivalent accuracy to PCR.

    For more details on these tests please review our test details section.

  • Who do you recommend testing on?

    We recommend testing on patients who are concerned they might be infected with Covid as they have covid symptoms or if they were in direct contact with someone who was recently diagnosed with covid.

  • Are these tests covered by OHIP?

    Unfortunately, at this time, these tests are not covered by OHIP.

  • What are the symptoms of a Covid infection?

    Please see the Ontario Government website  for the most up to date information.

  • What happens if my Covid test is positive?

    If you test is positive, we can arrange for you to speak to one of our Watson Medical Clinic  doctors the same day to guide your treatment. We also recommend that you follow public health guidelines .

  • How do I sign up for a test?

    You can click Book Test Now

  • Where will testing occur?

    We have a designated area set up just outside our clinic that is strictly for Covid testing. All appropriate public health precautions will be in effect.

  • What is the clinic policy for cancellations?

    Appointments can be cancelled at any time but there will be a $10 administrative fee.

  • Can appointments be rescheduled?

    Yes, as long as there is availability and there is no charge to reschedule your appointment.

  • Can I change the type of test booked?

    Yes, you are able to change the type of test booked at any time prior to your appointment

  • Are your tests Health Canada Approved?

    Yes, all our tests are Health Canada Approved. Please visit their website.

  • If I received my COVID vaccination, will this impact any of my tests?

    No it will not impact the test results.

  • Are you affiliated with Watson Medical Clinic?

    Yes, we are part of Watson Medical Clinic

  • Where are you located?

    Please see our About Us section

    • Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) (PCR Accuracy Equivalent)

  • What is the difference between Cue Health test and PCR?

    Both the PCR and Cue Health test are Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs). As per the CDC classification, there are 2 main types of NAATs, RT-PCR and Isothermal Amplification.

    Cue Health test is an Isothermal Amplification test. The Cue Health test has the highest correlation with PCR as seen in a recent Mayo clinic study where it  correlated 98% of the time with PCR testing.

  • How long does the test take?

    The test takes ~20 minutes to complete

  • How is the Cue Health test performed?

    We swab your anterior nostril and perform the test on site

  • When would the Cue Health Test perform better than a rapid antigen test?

    A Cue health NAAT test can detect infections earlier as it needs a lower viral load than a rapid antigen test.

  • What is the limitation of the NAAT (PCR-like) test?

    The test can remain positive for longer periods of time than the rapid antigen. So even after you are no longer infectious, the NAAT can still pick up remnants of the virus genetic material and be positive for weeks after infection.

    This is one of the reasons that Health Canada  does not require an individual to repeat a NAAT (PCR) up to 180 days from their initial positive test.

  • Can the NAAT be used for travel?

    Yes, a NAAT is acceptable for travel to the US and for return to Canada. It is also accepted by some EU countries.

    • Test Related Questions

  • What is the difference between a rapid antigen test and a NAAT (PCR-like)?

    An antigen test looks for proteins on the virus and requires more virus to be present and therefore will be detected later in the course of illness.

    A NAAT looks for genetic material on the virus and can pick up COVID earlier in the infection than the antigen test

  • Which test is more sensitive to pick up infection, the rapid antigen or NAAT (PCR-like)?

    The ability for the test to work is dependent on the viral load and the NAAT is able to detect infection with a lower viral load. So in theory, it will depend on what stage of the infection you are in.

    If it is early or mild symptoms, in most cases the NAAT will be more sensitive than the rapid antigen test. Around day 3-5 of a symptomatic infection, the tests will likely both pick up the infection.

    This is a good review article

  • What is the limitations of a rapid antigen test?

    Early on, there might not be enough virus in the nostril for the rapid antigen to detect infection and it will lead to a false positive test.

    This is a good review article

  • How is the rapid antigen test done?

    We use anterior nasal swab which is more comfortable and safer than the nasopharyngeal swab that is used with standard PCR testing.

  • How long does it take for the rapid antigen test (Sofia) to come back?

    It takes ~15 minutes for the results to become available

  • What is the difference between your rapid antigen test (Sofia) and the home-based rapid antigen test?

    The Sofia rapid antigen test is read by a Fluorescent Immunoassay analyzer rather than by viewing it yourself and deciding if the test is positive. This makes it a more objective test and studies show that it is more sensitive than home based rapid antigen tests such as Panbio or BTNX. You can review this on Health Canada’s website or Johns Hopkins website.

  • What are the benefits of testing both Flu and Covid rather than Covid alone?

    There is significant overlap in the covid and flu symptoms. Given that the treatment and management is different, it would be very helpful to identify which disease is causing your symptoms.