Where to get Tested

With most Omicron COVID-19 cases resulting in mild illness, these cases can be self-managed with self-testing and self-isolation. Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) PCR testing is available for priority populations at elevated risk for severe outcomes, which includes:

• Hospitalized patients including newborns, if parents COVID-positive
• Patients and residents transferred between facilities and upon entry to long-term and personal care homes
• High-risk populations as ordered by Medical Health officers, such as International travellers from an area of concern; as part of outbreak investigations in settings such as long-term care homes, personal care homes, congregate living (corrections, shelters, etc.)
• Symptomatic immunocompromised and those with chronic illness (diabetes, history of cancer, cardiac failure, Transplant donors and recipients, oncology patients receiving chemotherapy)
• Patients on a surgical waitlist with symptoms or a positive rapid antigen test, if scheduled or expecting to receive surgery within the next 90 days
• Symptomatic pregnant women greater than 30 weeks gestation
• Symptomatic people living or working in Indigenous communities with no access to Rapid Antigen Tests
• Health-care workers and essential workers with negative rapid antigen results who remain symptomatic will continue to be eligible for PCR tests to protect Saskatchewan's essential services

Medical health officers may order PCR testing as part of outbreak investigations, particularly in at-risk settings like long-term care and personal care homes, and other congregate living facilities.

With PCR testing eligibility focused on at-risk populations, the SHA is adjusting PCR testing locations to ensure access while returning frontline healthcare workers to home positions to support post-pandemic service delivery. Effective Monday, February 7, testing appointments must be booked by calling HealthLine 811. If qualifying criteria is met, HealthLine 811 will book a testing appointment. If criteria is not met, HealthLine 811 will recommend use of rapid antigen tests and self-monitoring.

Residents who require PCR test results for travel or insurance claims including potential Workers' Compensation Board claims may be required to purchase a test from a private lab service provider for that documentation

COVID-19 vaccinations remain the best defense to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations. The Saskatchewan Health Authority and pharmacies throughout the province continue to provide vaccination clinics. To find a clinic near you please visit COVID-19 Vaccine.

Antibody (serology) testing is generally limited to the following cases:

• Patients with suspected multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) due to COVID-19 infection
• For public health investigation of complicated COVID-19 case transmissions
• In patients with severe illness who have repeatedly received a negative lab PCR test result

Antibody testing results cannot tell the difference between those who are vaccinated or previously infected with COVID-19. Positive antibody test results will only show that you've either been exposed to COVID-19 OR vaccinated OR both. It cannot tell you if you are protected from COVID-19.

Additionally:

• Antibody levels decline over time, so an individual may have no measurable antibodies despite having been previously infected.
• Even with antibodies, individuals can still be re-infected with COVID-19 and capable of transmitting the virus to others.