COVID-19 and Flu Testing

In October 2024 Nova Scotia Health’s testing strategy for acute viral respiratory infections changed to ensure people who are at highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization have access to medication. Test supplies are limited and should not be used unless you are eligible for treatment.

To be eligible for either a rapid or PCR test, you must be in a high-risk category and have symptoms.

You should test for acute viral respiratory infections with a PCR at a testing location centre, or for COVID19 with a rapid test if you:

• are 65 years of age and older.
• work in the following: Long Term Care, Residential Care, Acute Care, and all frontline and community health care workers with direct patient contact.
• are First Nations
• are African Nova Scotian
• cannot perform a rapid test at home and require help due to a developmental, intellectual or physical disability.
• are at higher risk of severe disease due to:
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
• Obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart failure, or hypertension
• Chronic lung disease (i.e.: COPD, moderate-severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension)
• Sickle cell disease
• Neurological disease and neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e.: cerebral palsy, Trisomy 21) or other conditions that confer medical complexity
• Active cancer
• Medical-related technological dependence not related to COVID-19 (i.e., tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation), Moderately to severely immunocompromised*,
• Pregnancy,
• Chronic liver disease,
• Children and adolescents (<18 years of age) currently undergoing prolonged treatment with acetylsalicylic acid for a chronic condition, Anemia]

To be eligible for COVID-19 treatment assessment Nova Scotians must report their positive rapid test via Report and Support or by calling 1-833-797-7772. If you were tested at a testing center, report and support will be completed at time of registration and assessment for therapeutics will be done automatically for those who are found to have COVID19 once the result is available.

Do not repeat rapid antigen tests if you are positive. If you test negative and are symptomatic and in the high-risk group listed above, you should retest in 48 hours.

You should not test if you are asymptomatic or are symptomatic but not in a high-risk category. If you have symptoms, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. If you are unable to stay home, wear a mask to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Healthcare workers should follow the employers occupational health guidance[SM1] .

Tests are limited, so we encourage Nova Scotians to use them appropriately. You may also choose to purchase tests online or through a retailer. 

You can book your test online at covidbooking.nshealth.ca.

Book a COVID and flu test

If you need help booking, please call 1-833-797-7772.

You can find the locations and hours of operations for Nova Scotia Health's COVID-19 and flu testing locations here

Find a testing location

If you are at risk of severe disease, or meet the criteria for PCR testing, it is recommended to get a PCR test as soon as you can. This is important because you may be eligible for early treatment to prevent severe disease if you test positive.

Appointments are required for PCR tests and to pick up rapid test kits at COVID-19 and flu testing locations in Nova Scotia. Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your appointment time. When picking up test kits for someone else, including children, the appointment must be in their name, and their physical health card must be presented on pick-up.

COVID-19 Rapid Test Instructions

Find instructions below for each type of rapid test. To identify the type of test you have, look at the outside packaging, one of these brands will be on the package. Please check the box for an expiry date before use. Expired tests should be disposed of following your local waste management guidelines.

SwiftSwab Instructions
English

FlowFlex Instructions
English | En français

BTNX Instructions
English | En français 

What happens after my COVID-19 and flu test?

For people with symptoms: Stay home when sick, avoid higher risk people and places, and wear a mask when in indoor public places even with mild cold-or flu-like (respiratory) symptoms.

For people who test positive for COVID-19: Follow the directions for those who test positive here. For the 7 days after symptoms start or you test positive (if no symptoms), avoid high-risk people and places, and wear a mask when away from home.

How do I receive my PCR test results?

When people come for their testing appointment, they will be asked at registration for their email and phone number, as well as a health card or student identification number. You may also receive a registration number when you book your test. Please see below if you don’t have a health card or student card – you are still able to get a test and treatment, if needed.

For COVID-19 results:

If you have a valid provincial health card, you’ll be able to receive your COVID-19 test results in the following ways:

• E-mail auto-notifications

  Email results may be received 24 hours a day. Please check your “Junk” and “Other Inbox” folders for your test results. Look for an email from noreply@nshealth.ca.

• Auto-call notifications

  Auto-calls may occur daily between noon and 5 p.m. It’s important that people keep their phones with them and on if they are expecting a test result. The caller ID may indicate unknown name, unknown number or a long-distance/out-of-province number; please answer those calls.

• Online at https://c19results.nshealth.ca/

  If you do not have a health card or student ID, you can access results online using the registration number you received when you booked your test, if applicable.

  If you do not have a health card, student ID, registration number, or if it has been longer than 48 hours since your test and your results are not available through one of the above methods, please complete the Report and Support form so you can be assessed for medications. If you qualify, a Nova Scotia Health team member will contact you to discuss your treatment options. 

Those who have been tested should have their health card (any province except Ontario) or identification number ready. They will be asked to enter the last four digits to receive their result. People with an Ontario health card should enter the last four numbers that appear before the letters on their card.

For influenza results:

Those who test positive for influenza and may also benefit from anti-viral medication may receive a call from your primary care provider or a member of Nova Scotia Health’s pharmacy therapeutics team to discuss your treatment option.