COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 TESTING SERVICES

Fast, affordable, reliable COVID-19 NAAT and Ag rapid antigen testing services are now available at the Wilderman Medical Clinic, serving Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Toronto, and the GTA. Book your testing appointment by phone and get same-day test results emailed to you for your convenience. Valid test results for international travel, workplace safety, academic admission, and general peace of mind. We currently offer two types of testing at WMC; both tests are done by mid-nasal swab, which lessens the discomfort often associated with the COVID-19 test. Please read the information below to help you select which option best suits your needs.

We now offer the following two tests for COVID-19:

1. COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (rapid antigen test)
   How is this test performed? The COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test is performed using a nasal swab. This swab is inserted into an individual’s nostrils to take a swab sample; the swab is then inserted into a tube containing a liquid solution, and a few drops of this solution are placed on a testing strip. The test strip will indicate positive or negative results.
   How does the test work? Viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, have proteins on the surface of the virus; these proteins are called antigens. Once a patient’s swab is performed, and the swab is placed in a tube containing a liquid solution, a few drops of this liquid are placed on a testing strip. The testing strip contains COVID-19 antibodies, which then bind to the COVID-19 antigens (if they are present on the patient’s swab), indicating a positive result.
   
   Benefits:
   * Quick results – Within approximately 1 hour of taking your test
   * Accurate – 91.4% sensitivity (meaning how many actually COVID-19 positive individuals does it correctly identify as positive); 99.8% specificity (meaning how many COVID-19 negative individuals does it correctly confirm as negative)
2. NAAT Test (Nucleic acid amplification test)
   How is this test performed? The NAAT Test is performed using a nasopharyngeal, nasal, or oropharyngeal (throat) swab. This swab is inserted into an individual’s nose (or throat) to take a swab sample. This sample is then tested to determine if genetic material (RNA) of the COVID-19 virus is present.
   How does the test work? The COVID-19 virus contains genetic material called RNA which is comprised of nucleic acids that are arranged in a sequence that is unique to the COVID-19 virus. The swab sample taken from a patient is inserted into an NAAT machine. Copies of the genetic material in a patient’s swab sample are then made so that even minute amounts of RNA from the COVID-19 virus can be detected.
   
   Benefits:
   * Quick results — Typically within 15-30 minutes of taking the test
   * Accurate — This type of testing is highly sensitive and reliable

FAQ:

Am I eligible for the test?

You are eligible to be tested at WMC if you meet the following criteria:

• You have an upcoming international flight and can provide flight details as confirmation
• You are asymptomatic (you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19)
• You have not been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days
• You have not traveled outside of Canada within the last 14 days
• You have not been advised to get tested for COVID-19 via an exposure notification through the COVID-19 app

Which test is right for you? There are a few different types of COVID-19 tests available, and it is important to choose the test that is right for you. If you are getting a COVID-19 test for the purpose of traveling to another country, it is important to ensure that the type of testing you have selected is accepted in your destination country. Traveler testing for COVID-19 is required in many countries, including Mexico, Cuba, the USA, the United Kingdom, India, and China; please note that some countries require a NAAT COVID-19 test for travel, while others require a rapid antigen test for travel. Please contact your airline or refer to one of the following sites to determine which test is accepted in your travel destination: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories or
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

* Timeframe is an estimate, which may be affected by circumstances outside of our control.

What should I bring for my test and how do I prepare?

• If your test is for the purposes of travel, please bring proof of your flight
• You will need to fill out a Pre-screening form and a consent form (these forms are available to view online and will be filled out before you come in for your appointment). Please note these forms will be sent to your mobile phone when you book your appointment.
• You will need to bring an accepted form of government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or health card
• Please note that this is not an OHIP covered service; please be prepared to present an accepted form of payment, such as cash or credit, at the time of your appointment

How do I book and pay for a COVID-19 test?

Your testing appointment can be booked over the phone; please call 905-886-1212 to book. A pre-screening form is available for viewing online. Please click on the following link  to see the questionnaire; this will be completed prior to your appointment to ensure that you are eligible for the test. When you arrive for your appointment, please ensure to take all appropriate precautions, such as using a face mask, sanitizing your hands upon arrival, and avoiding eating or drinking inside the clinic. There will be a consent form that you will need to complete when you arrive for your appointment, and payment will be completed upon arrival as well.

Please note if you are booking for more than one person, the other individuals will need to fill out the prescreening and consent forms when they arrive at the clinic.

How and when will I receive my results?

Your appointment will likely take about 15-20 minutes, but the swab collection process itself will likely take less than 5 minutes. Following your appointment, your sample will be tested, and the results will be sent to you via email. NAAT Test results should be available approximately 30 minutes after the test is taken.

• Rapid Antigen Test results are typically available within 1 hour of your appointment

** Please note: In the event that your COVID-19 test results are POSITIVE, you will be provided with detailed instructions on how you are to proceed.

Pre-testing consent forms:

COVID_NAAT_consent_form.pdf

COVID_rapid_antigen_consent_form.pdf