Testing for COVID-19
Due to an increase in the number of infections, PCR tests in testing centres are now limited to some priority groups.
List of priority people for testing- Read the MSSS’s press release (in French - January 4, 2022 )
Rapid home testing
(When to use a rapid test, Interpreting the result...)
When to self-isolate (COVID-19)
Do not go to emergency to get a COVID-19 test. Only go to emergency to consult for an urgent problem if your life or the life of a loved one is in danger or if your condition or that of a loved one requires immediate care.
At the testing clinic
You are asked to arrive no more than 5 minutes before the appointment. When you come to the testing clinic, be sure to have on hand:
- Confirmation of your appointment (electronic or printed)
- Your health insurance card
- An ID with your address
Frequently asked questions | test results
You must self-isolate while waiting for your test results if :
- you have COVID-19 symptoms
- you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- you have returned from travel abroad
If you do not meet any of these criteria, you do not have to self-isolate. We recommend that you follow the general health measures.
Test results will now be sent by email to those who have given their consent.
If you received your results by email or by SMS, follow the instructions below:
To view the tests you have had and your results or to make another appointment, go to the Secure portal of the COVID-19 Screening Platform. You will need your username xxxx@depistagecovid19.quebec.ca and the password you created. If you forgot your password, click here.
If you received a positive result, it is essential that you inform the people you have been in contact with in the last few days and you must self-isolate.
You tested positive
Remain in isolation at home.
You tested negative
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/instructions-for-people-with-covid-19-symptoms/
- If you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19: ttps://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/instructions-for-people-who-have-been-in-contact-with-a-confirmed-case-of-covid-19/
- If you have returned from travel abroad: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/instructions-for-travellers-covid19/
If you are adequately protected against COVID-19: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/people-adequately-protected-against-covid-19
If you received your results via the COVID-19 Screening Platform, go to the Secure portal to view the tests you have had and your results. You will need your username xxxx@depistagecovid19.quebec.ca and the password you created. If you forgot your password, click here.
In any other situation, for written confirmation of test results, contact the Service des archives by email at resultats.covid.cissslan@ssss.gouv.qc.ca or by phone at 450-759-8222, ext. 2070, option 6.
You must provide the following information:
- Your first name and last name
- Your date of birth
- The location where the test was done
- Your health insurance card number
- Your email address
- Your phone number
Written proof will be emailed to you within a maximum of 48 hours.
Priority is given to results that have not been sent via the COVID testing platform. If the result was already sent via the COVID testing platform, expect a wait time of up to 30 days, which is the standard time for all requests for access to a medical file.
Leaving Canada
Some countries require medical certificates or COVID-19 tests from travellers and nationals upon arrival. These requirements are not an indication for testing in Québec. Certificates are not covered by the Régie d'assurance maladie du Québec.
The following private laboratories are recognized by the Laboratoire de Santé publique du Québec and have agreed to carry out the tests and issue the certificates prescribed for travellers and nationals. You can contact these laboratories directly to get tested or contact a specimen collection centre which will confirm whether or not the centre has the test done by a recognized laboratory.