COVID-19 testing information

You can make an appointment online through the COVID-19 Test Booking Form 24 hours a day, or call 1-877-740-7747   for assistance between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., PST, seven days a week. Please try to book within 24 hours or the first available test in the closest collection centre.

Make sure you self-isolate before your test.

Please wear a mask and plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

For patients over the age of four, a saline (salt water) gargle may be offered instead of a nose swab. To ensure accuracy of your test, do not eat, drink, vape, smoke, brush your teeth or chew gum for at least one hour before the test. Read the mouth rinse/gargle instructions for more information on what to expect.

You can also watch the gargle video. It is recommended that you practice in advance with your child with plain water if possible. Do not practice within 2 hours of the appointment time.

COVID-19 test results should be available within 48 hours from the time you were tested. Public health will call you if your test results are positive. Please ensure you have provided current contact information.

Results are also accessible through the following options:

• Text message from BCCDC: Sign up here to get a text directly to your cell phone.
• Health Gateway: Sign up here to get results by email or text. Health Gateway is a new online portal option for anyone with a photo BC Services Card.
• BCCDC Negative Results line: call 1-833-707-2792, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, PST, seven days per week. Please wait 48 hours after your test before calling.
• MyHealthPortal: Check online at MyHealthPortal. If you are not enrolled, ask to have your email entered on your patient record during your testing visit, and then click on “Request to enroll” at the link above. For support, call 1-844-870-4756, Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM, PST. MyHealthPortal will indicate your test result or refer you to the BCCDC options above.

See our Patient Handout on Testing.

A positive test result means that you have detectable levels of the COVID-19 virus in your body. You will need to self-isolate. The people you live with will also need to self-isolate if they are not fully vaccinated.

Most often you will receive your result before public health contacts you. Please see our Testing Positive page for information on self-isolating, managing your symptoms, and notifying all of your close contacts.

Interior Health doesn’t conduct asymptomatic COVID-19 testing (e.g., for travel purposes).