Positive result on a rapid test? You can once again get PCR confirmation

Availability was limited in December due to significant demand during the Omicron wave

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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If you get a positive result from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test, you can once again get confirmation from a PCR test.

The availability of the more accurate PCR tests was limited in December due to significant demand during the Omicron wave.

But with cases on the decline in the province, Nova Scotia Health says its microbiology lab now has the capacity to resume the service.

If your rapid test shows two bars, you have the choice to either isolate or get a PCR test.

If you choose the latter and it comes back negative, you can resume normal activities, as long as you don’t have symptoms, or as soon as symptoms improve with no fever for at least 24 hours.

If the PCR test confirms a positive result, then isolation is required, as per Public Health guidelines.

“It is important to note this change will likely result in a higher number of reported cases, as case numbers are based on positive PCR tests, not rapid tests,” Nova Scotia Health said in a news release.

“This increase should be considered a more accurate picture of reported cases in Nova Scotia, rather than a reflection of a new surge of COVID-19 cases.”

To get a PCR test, call 811 or complete the online assessment.