Lots of confusion about when and who to test for Covid-19 and if a negative test means you're free and clear to see your grandma or meet up for a family reunion at the cottage. Let's start with WHO should get tested 1/

To identify what level of community transmission exists, random testing is not recommended. If your probability is low and unrelated to symptoms or known exposure, testing resources are being used needlessly. Don't get tested "just for the hell of it" 2/

You should get tested if:
- You have symptoms compatible with CoVid-19 https://ca.thrive.health/covid19/en 
- you have been in contact with a confirmed case
- you work in a health care, LTC or similar setting with reasonable risk exposure to a confirmed case 3/

What's the downside of getting a test "just to make sure" (without typical exposure risks)? The test is not proof positive or negative. It will be falsely negative if it is performed too early after exposure or if the viral load is too low 4/

So when is too early to get a test? It varies. The the viral load (more likely if source is sicker and symptomatic), the earlier a test will be +ve, eg. Within 48 h quite possible 5/

BUT most +ve sources have either minimal or no symptoms at all. It may take up to 4-5 days for viral load to reach detectable levels for a +ve test if you're infected. Therefore, worth waiting till 4-5 days for highest yield in most cases 6/

Remember that the test is a "snapshot" of that point in time and nothing more. If you're getting it on Friday, it tells you nothing about Thursday or Saturday when the status may change based on your time of actual exposure and the viral load transmitted 7/

If you get a -ve test but are still very suspicious that it is a false -ve:
- self-isolate without delay
- contact your physician to discuss whether you may need another test to help determine if it is just a matter of timing or not 8/

Finally, a negative test is not a license to ignore public health recommendations. This virus is hidden and inconspicuous. Our habits should not be!
#WashYourHands
#WearAMask
#WatchYourDistance