Common Questions About Mobile COVID Testing

It has almost been two whole years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, the world has changed significantly, and it’s become difficult to remember a time when wearing a mask, sanitizing constantly, and going in and out of lockdowns wasn’t the norm. While we all can’t wish enough for the pandemic to end, the reality is that it is still a considerable global health concern. We need to continue to take necessary precautions to protect the safety of ourselves and our communities.

Going into 2022, the pandemic looks very different than it did even just a few months ago. Thankfully, vaccine rollout over the past several months has significantly minimized the severity of COVID in infected individuals, which has decreased the number of patients in the ICUs and the amount of people who are passing away due to the virus. As of mid-December 2021, over 76% of the Canadian population is fully vaccinated, and booster shots are being made available to those whose second dose was more than six months ago. While this is very exciting news and gives a sense of hope for the future, we have it is not enough to bring us to the end of this pandemic.

With the extremely high transmissibility rate of the new Omicron variant, we can’t let our guards down yet. We know the dangers of new variants all too well and must continue to be vigilant in our safety measures to keep everyone healthy. By now, we all know the importance of wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, avoiding large public gatherings, and washing our hands as much as possible. Another essential safety measure, especially as we enter the fifth wave with the Omicron variant, is having access to mobile COVID testing.

We’re Integracare, a healthcare agency offering home care services in Toronto, Mississauga and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We have been providing compassionate home care to Clients for over 30 years. We are proud to be named the #1 Best Workplace in Toronto and the province of Ontario and the #1 Best Workplace in Healthcare in Canada in 2021 by the Great Place to Work institute.

Our team of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), and caregivers have been at the front lines of this pandemic since the start. We know firsthand how serious this virus is, and we are committed to doing everything that we can to help get everyone through this challenging time as safely as possible.

The health and safety of all Ontarians is extremely important to us. As part of our commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate home care to Seniors, including at home dementia care and palliative care in Toronto we have expanded our services to help everyone in the GTA by offering mobile COVID testing services for people of all ages. We know that getting tested for COVID-19 is the only way to ensure that you do not have the virus and are not spreading it to others. It is a critically important preventative measure against spreading the virus, and we are happy to provide an accessible option to those who need it.

Despite COVID-19 being a leading player in the lives of all Canadians for the past two years, there is still plenty of misinformation that circulates surrounding the virus and how to protect ourselves against it. We’re here to answer the most common questions people still have about mobile COVID testing to help eliminate any worries you may have about getting tested.

What is Mobile COVID Testing?

Mobile testing allows you to get tested from the comfort of your own home or workplace by having an Integracare health practitioner come right to you. We’re aware that leaving your home to get tested can pose a serious risk as you will be in public surrounded by people who are also unsure whether or not they are carrying the virus. Integracare is happy to offer Concierge testing services for Clients in Toronto or Mississauga who need it in order to help keep the community safe and healthy.

The health and safety of our Clients and their loved ones is of the utmost importance to our team at Integracare. Because of this, we have several safety measures in place to ensure you are protected during the COVID Testing process. The health practitioner administering your test will be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes a mask, face shield, gown, and nitrile gloves. They will also maintain as much social distance as possible when in your home or office building.

Integracare Mobile COVID Testing is available to any individual in Toronto, Mississauga, or the GTA who would prefer to get tested at home. We also provide tests for travellers departing Canada or who are returning to Canada and those who are returning to work. Visit our website to book a mobile COVID test with Integracare today.

Types of Tests

You’ve probably heard of various types of COVID tests that are available. You may have even seen photos or videos circulating of people getting swabs up their noses. If you have yet to receive a COVID test, you may be unaware of how the process works, if it hurts, and how accurate it is.

Our mobile testing offers Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and Rapid Antigen Tests. Let’s look at both tests to help you better understand what getting tested means and how it works.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test

PCR tests are the most accurate and widely used type of COVID test. Most people describe a PCR test as being uncomfortable and awkward but not painful. The health practitioner will insert a swab inside your nostril and wiggle it around to collect a sample. While this may sound unpleasant, the swab is quite soft and will only be in your nose for a few seconds — it will be done before you know it! Once collected, the sample is then sent off to a Health Canada approved lab.

The value of PCR testing cannot be overstated. It’s important to remember that you can still carry the virus and be asymptomatic, meaning you are not displaying any symptoms associated with the virus. That’s why getting tested if you have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive is crucial.

Results from a PCR test are usually back within 24 hours of being tested; however, it can take up to a few days. This variation in time depends on how long it takes for the sample to get to the lab and how many samples the lab has to get through and can be impacted by staffing shortages at the lab as well. At Integracare, we work very hard to get your test results to you as soon as possible so you can know with certainty whether or not you are carrying the virus.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs)

Rapid Antigen Tests are pretty similar to PCR tests in that a sample is collected by swabbing the nose. The healthcare practitioner will insert the swab in both nostrils and twist it around for 5-10 seconds to collect the sample.

RATs should be used in a work or group setting on a frequent basis to ensure that everyone is negative. When travelling internationally, you must receive a negative Rapid Antigen Test before you will be permitted to board the plane to certain locations. A minimum of 5 tests are required for our mobile Rapid Antigen Testing Service, and results are processed in 20 minutes.

Whether you take a PCR or Antigen test, you will be instructed on the next steps to follow once your test results come back. Those who test positive will be instructed to quarantine at home based on current health regulations. You will also have to contact anyone you have come in contact with recently so they can also get tested. If symptoms progress, contact your doctor immediately as they might advise you to visit the emergency room.

If you receive a negative test result, you can continue with your life as usual, ensuring you still follow all health and safety protocols set in place by your local health authority. COVID-19 is a very serious illness that can have long-lasting effects and can even be fatal. It is imperative that we continue to take it seriously.

Why is Mobile COVID Testing Important?

You may be wondering who can benefit from mobile COVID testing. The short answer is everyone! Mobile covid testing allows individuals to avoid going out in public and potentially getting exposed or exposing others to COVID-19. More specifically, mobile testing can be an excellent option for people with mobility issues or individuals who don’t have a way of getting to a testing facility.

Unfortunately, COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. We know that everyone is tired, and we all want nothing more than for life to regain some semblance of normalcy. It’s been two years of missed milestones, family gatherings, and travel opportunities. But we have to keep going. Providing accessible testing is essential for getting as many people tested as possible. We know that testing is the only way to monitor whether cases are going up or not, and the more people who get tested, the more accurate the provincial and federal data will be.

If you don’t get tested, there is no way of knowing with 100% certainty whether you are carrying the virus. This means you could continue to go out to places, like restaurants or the grocery store, and spread the virus to others. This can be especially dangerous if you interact with people who are particularly vulnerable to getting seriously ill from COVID, such as Seniors, those with underlying health concerns, and those who cannot get vaccinated (specifically young children). Getting tested is the only way to reduce the spread of the virus.

When Should I Get Tested?

If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, you should contact your local health authority and take the online self-assessment to determine if you should get tested. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you can still carry and transfer the virus, so it’s important to stay vigilant with testing and health and safety measures even if vaccinated.

Common symptoms associated with COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle Aches
• Loss of taste or smell
• Congestion
• Nausea
• Sore throat

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, getting tested is the only way of ensuring that you are not positive. New variants can cause varying symptoms, so it’s important to stay up to date on the latest information. Additionally, you should get tested if you have come in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.

If you are meeting with a large group of people, taking a Rapid Antigen Test before and after is a great way of ensuring that everyone is safe. This could include having a health practitioner from Integracare come to your place of work regularly to administer COVID tests and enforce mandatory testing for all staff members.

As we continue to navigate this pandemic, we are committed to the health and safety of our Clients, their families, and all Ontarians. Let’s continue to work together to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe so we can get back to our regular lives as soon as possible. To book an appointment for our Mobile COVID Testing, contact Integracare today.