Please be advised that at this time we only provide the PCR Test. We are working on providing the Antigen Test as well but it is not available at the present time.

• Most countries require negative PCR test certificate 48 or 72 hours prior to departure of flight.
• PCR tests detect SARS-CoV-2 specific RNA (genetic material) through amplification using a PCR machine.
• Some countries accept either a PCR or a rapid Antigen Test
• Some countries have specific forms or additional tests that are required (IE-Japan, China), but most will accept a lab result certificate.
• Testing is only performed on patients that pass the COVID screening questionnaire (no symptoms etc).

No, this type of PCR testing is not covered under BC Services Plan and the patient is responsible for the payment. We offer two processing times and fees would be different. 

• 24-Hr PCR With Travel Certificate: $250
• Express PCR with Travel Certificate: $375

If you are travelling for work, ask your occupational health department to check the requirements. You can get information from the embassy of your destination country, or from their government. Your airline may also be able to advise you.

Another option is to check the requirements through this website: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/map This is a very useful tool that shows entry requirements for countries. 

Sample kits are provided by CardiAI Laboratory. A clinic assistant at Sina Medical collects your sample and  send it to CardiAI Laboratory in Vancouver for further testing an analysis.   

Generally, an appointment lasts no more than 10minutes. During this time, our Medical Laboratory Assistant will confirm your identity, verify your requisition, set up a safe and comfortable space for the collection, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

There is no special preparation for a COVID-19 diagnostic test. You must have a testing appointment that is scheduled in advance. Please bring your photo identification to your appointment. You will be asked to sign a consent form at the appointment.

Results and your certificate can be picked up from the clinic’s front desk or if you prefer they will be emailed through an encrypted message as soon as they are made available. Every effort will be made for a 24-hour* turnaround time; however, this time is not guaranteed as there are other factors that may delay this process.

When we get your negative test result, we will issue you with your travel certificate and you can travel with confidence.

If you get a positive result, you will not be able to travel immediately. You may have to isolate. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control has advice for people who have tested positive for Covid-19.

Our office will contact Public Health and let them know that your result was positive and they will advise of next steps.

Contact Information for Public Health

Provincial Health Link

• Phone: 811

Fraser Health Authority

o   Dr. Elizabeth Brodkin Chief Medical Health Officer

• Phone: 604-587-7896
• Fax: 604-930-5414
• After Hours: 604-527-4806
• Email: Elizabeth.brodkin@fraserhealth.ca

Interior Health Region

o   Medical Health Officer

• Leala.Tomlinson@interiorhealth.ca
• Phone: 1-866-778-7736 (Monday-Friday 0830-1630)
• After Hours: 1-866-457-5648

Northern Health Region

o   Dr. Jong Kim, Interim Chief Medical Health Officer

• Phone: 250-261-7235
• Email: Jong.Kim@northernhealth.com

o   After Hours Medical Health Officer on-call

• Phone: 250-565-2000 (press 7 for switchboard)

Vancouver Costal Health Region

o   Dr. Patty Daly Chief Medical Health Officer

• Phone: 604-675-3918
• After Hours: 604-527-4893
• Fax: 604-731-2756
• Email: patty.daly@vch.ca

Vancouver Island

o   Dr. Richard Standwick Chief Medical Health Officer

• Phone: 250-519-3406
• Fax: 250-519-3441
• After Hours: 1-800-204-6166

mRNA-based vaccines will not cause a Covid-19 PCR test to be positive. Similarly, these vaccines will not cause rapid antigen tests to be positive. If a vaccinated person does test positive (PCR or RAT), they were likely infected with SARS-CoV-2 just before or after being vaccinated.