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Self-Testing
Self-testing is safe, gentle, easy to use, and provides results within 15 minutes. Self-tests only take a few seconds to collect a sample using a swab that goes into the soft part of each nostril. These tests can be done almost anywhere, at any time, to see if you may have COVID-19.
If you are experiencing mild cold-like symptoms including cough, sore throat, sneezing without fever, it is recommended that you stay home, use rapid antigen testing and self-isolate based on those results.
SHA Public PCR testing is now reserved for priority populations at elevated risk for severe outcomes.
Residents who have self-tested but require PCR test results for travel or insurance claims including potential Workers' Compensation Board claims will be required to purchase a test from a private lab service provider for that documentation
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1. Rapid Antigen Self-Testing at Home
Rapid antigen test kits are available to the general public to support both symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 surveillance. There are many public distribution locations throughout the province where you can pick up a free box of tests.
Routine, voluntary testing at home will help prevent asymptomatic transmission and will reduce COVID-19 transmission in the community. Use at-home testing to assist in self-management of any illness. Residents now have reasonable self-management tools to safely navigate day-to-day activities.
Self-testing kits (rapid antigen tests) are safe and effective when used as intended. However, many test kits include liquid solutions with chemical preservatives, such as sodium azide and Proclin that may be poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin, particularly in children and pets. Health Canada issued the public advisory on rapid antigen tests and potential exposure to hazardous substances on February 24, 2022 to raise awareness about the risks associated with misuse, accidental ingestion or spillage of rapid antigen test kit solutions as well as what to do when accidental ingestion or spillage occurs.
See the following on how to use a rapid test kit:
- Common questions and answers on properly using a rapid test.
- Throat and Nares Collection Using Rapid Antigen Tests
- How to use the BTNX rapid test kit.
- How to use the BD Veritor rapid test kit.
- How to use the SD Biosensor rapid test kit.
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2. Locations for Rapid Antigen Self Test Kits
Search the map to find a location near you:
Locations of Rapid Antigen Self Test Kits
Most rapid antigen tests distributed in Saskatchewan have had their expiry dates extended by the manufacturers. For more information on expiry dates, please refer to the manufacturer's website.
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3. Rapid Antigen Test Shelf Life Information
Health Canada has extended the shelf-life of COVID-19 Abbott Panbio and BTNX At-Home and Point of Care (POC) Rapid Antigen Tests.
Abbott Panbio Tests
This product has a date of manufacture and expiry date. The shelf life of Abbot Panbio tests is extended to 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Example: If the date of manufacture is December 24, 2021, the revised expiry is December 24, 2023. NOT Jan 8th, 2023 as seen in the photo.
BTNX Point of Care (POC) Tests
This product has a date of manufacture and expiry date. The shelf life of these BTNX POC tests is extended to 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Example: If the date of manufacture is February 1st, 2022, the revised expiry is February 1st, 2024.
BTNX At-Home Tests
The BTNX At-Home tests DO NOT have the manufacture date printed on the kit box.
The revised expiry is extended one year beyond the original expiry.
The list of At-Home tests that have been distributed in Saskatchewan through public distribution sites are as follows:
| Series | Original Expiry | Revised Expiry |
| 019COV-19CSHC5 | 2/11/2023 | 2/11/2024 |
| 2/11/2023 | 2/11/2024 | |
| 5/6/2023 | 5/6/2024 |
Note: This information is intended for general guidance only and may not be current.
Please consult the Health Canada website Authorized Testing Devices List for the most recent expiry information for COVID-19 rapid antigen tests.
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4. Once you have received your rapid test results
Residents who receive a positive COVID-19 result on a rapid antigen test are no longer recommended to seek a confirmatory PCR test. SHA PCR tests are now reserved for priority populations only. Anyone who requires PCR test results for travel, insurance claims including potential Workers' Compensation Board claims, or in lieu of proof of vaccination will be required to purchase a test from a private lab service provider for that documentation. If you test positive, you may qualify for COVID-19 treatments.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately at home or in another suitable environment, regardless of your vaccination status. It is recommended that you self-isolate for five days from the date of test or 24 hours after any fever has resolved without the aid of fever-reducing medications and all other symptoms are improving for at least 48 hours, whichever is later.
Learn more about self-isolation.
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5. Resources
Included are guides for using the test kits, for those who have positive test results, as well as resources for participating distribution locations including a guide for testing distribution sites and posters.
- Self Test Guide (Updated May 2023)
- Self Test Kit Pickup - Poster