Albertans will soon need doctor referral to get a COVID-19 PCR test

Most Albertans will soon need referral from a doctor to get a COVID-19 PCR test, as the province scales back its pandemic testing program.

The changes to the PCR testing program take effect July 18, and some testing locations will change.

“We are taking steps to build on the foundation we have in place for dealing with other respiratory viruses,” Health Minister Jason Copping said. “These updates to our PCR testing program help facilitate care closer to Albertans’ medical homes, allow us to direct Alberta’s testing capacity toward those who are most at risk, and allow some health-care workers who have been deployed to assessment centres for the last two years to return to their regular roles to support other health services.”

You can still use Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) online assessment tool to book an appointment, and AHS will still offer PCR testing, but only for those that are eligible.

AHS adds clinics can choose to test on site or refer patients to a designated location.

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Chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says Albertans should stay vigilant.

“Over the summer and into the fall, Alberta can expect to see waves of COVID-19 continue, along with increased transmission of other respiratory viruses like influenza,” Hinshaw said. “I would like to remind Albertans of the importance of monitoring for symptoms, staying home when sick and, for those eligible for treatment, quickly accessing rapid or PCR testing when sick.”

To be considered eligible for a PCR test, you’ll need a doctor’s referral, this includes:

• People with symptoms who may be eligible for outpatient treatment (Paxlovid or Remdesivir)
• People with symptoms who are pregnant
• People who have been referred for testing as part of their medical assessment

Ultimately, once the changes take effect, it will be up to a doctor to decide the best way to get their patients tested. That means you could be told to use an at-home rapid test, get swabbed at the clinic and have the sample sent to a testing lab, or be told to go to an AHS testing site.

If you are referred to an AHS site by your doctor, you’ll need to input their name when booking an appointment through the online assessment tool. Your doctor will then submit a lab requisition on your behalf.

Anyone who can’t use the online assessment tool can still call Health Link at 1-844-343-0971.

Albertans that live or work in what AHS calls high-risk settings can still get a PCR test without a doctor’s referral using the assessment tool. This includes people who live in isolated and remote First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities, as well as healthcare workers in correctional facilities and shelters.