COVID-19 rapid antigen screening works by detecting specific proteins called antigens on the surface of a virus (SARS-CoV-2 in this case) and identifies if you’re at the peak of infection when virus levels in the body are at their highest.

Results are over 90% accurate. If your test does read positive, you should treat it as if you’re positive for COVID-19 and follow the latest public health guidelines even before getting confirmation from a PCR test.

Not long at all! Results show up within 15 minutes.

Certain countries do accept rapid antigen screening for inbound travel. These tests aren’t proctored, however, which may be a requirement for your destination. It’s best to make sure the test is accepted in the country you’re travelling to first. If a PCR test is what’s required and you’re symptomatic, book an appointment through your local health unit or assessment centre. If asymptomatic, you can easily book an appointment here.

Tests are one-time use only. You do, however, get multiple tests in each screening kit, depending on which size kit you order.

Positive results should be followed up with a PCR test from your local health unit or assessment centre for confirmation – you should also quarantine until you receive a negative PCR test.

Disclaimer: You should always refer to your local public health unit for the latest public health guidance. Typically, this involves quarantining and completing a PCR test for confirmation at your local health unit or assessment centre.

Rapid antigen tests look for specific proteins called antigens on the surface of a virus (SARS-CoV-2). Although this method is less sensitive than PCR testing, it plays a crucial role in screening for the virus thanks to its accessibility and rapid results. Rapid antigen tests are also accepted by certain countries for travel, so it’s best to check the government website of the country you’re travelling to first.

PCR tests look for genetic material to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and are indicative of an existing infection. These tests provide the highest rates of sensitivity, are performed in a lab, and are valid for travel to many destinations.

You can order rapid antigen tests online from Maple as well as book a PCR test.

No, Maple doesn’t produce the tests. Our Health Canada Medical Device Licensed distribution partners, Rapid Test Canada and 8th Sense Medical do. All tests are Health Canada authorized and results are over 90% accurate. With this partnership, we’re able to offer easy and convenient COVID-19 test kits.