COVID testing in Airdrie

This test is done at the clinic and we can provide you with results in 15 minutes.  You can receive your results in one of two ways:

1) Wait at the clinic for 15 minutes and we can provide you with a printed copy of results.
2) The result will be securely emailed or texted to you in 15 minutes.

The cost of the Rapid Antigen COVID test is $40.  To book a Rapid Antigen COVID test, click here

PCR Testing

COVID PCR testing is currently not available at Polaris.  It may return at some point in the future.  Contact us if you have additional questions.

What is the difference between Rapid Antigen and PCR testing?

A rapid antigen test, detects protein fragments specific to COVID-19. Turnaround time is usually very quick for an antigen test (15 minutes for our tests), and they are considered to be most accurate when used for a person who is having symptoms of COVID-19. However, the results may not always be accurate. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a PCR test. A rapid antigen test cannot show if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past. 

A molecular test such as a PCR test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the COVID-19 virus and can be used within days of infection, even without symptoms. A PCR test usually takes longer to get results as the sample needs to go to an external lab for analysis. A molecular test cannot show if someone has had COVID-19 in the past. Molecular tests are highly accurate and usually do not need to be repeated.