Testing for respiratory infections is a key strategy for Nova Scotia’s Public Health. Persons are tested for respiratory illness such as COVID-19 and influenza for the following reasons:
For more information on testing:
In testing centres and other practice settings, regulated health care providers (i.e. Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Physiotherapists (PT) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT)) and Unlicensed health care providers (UHCPs) can independently follow the provincial Care Directive to collect a specimen for respiratory infections.
The main type of test offered at Testing Centres is PCR testing. During times of increased reported community respiratory infections, or as directed by Public Health, point of care testing or rapid tests may also be offered.
Also called a molecular test, this respiratory virus test detects genetic material of the virus using a lab technique called
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The preferred PCR test in Nova Scotia is obtained by collecting a specimen using a swab, via the nasopharyngeal route (NP). Other options include a throat/nare swab, validated for COVID-19. Results are available in 24-72 hours. The PCR test is used as a diagnostic tool for respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and Influenza.
Rapid antigen testing has become a common tool for Nova Scotians to determine if they have respiratory infections such as COVID-19. Knowing results can help to prevent further spread of the virus. Rapid tests are only validated for COVID-19.
Rapid tests are safe, easy to use, and provide results within 10 to 20 minutes. Rapid tests (also referred to as Point-of-Care Tests) can be done at home by someone who is not a health care professional by using the swab in the kit to collect a sample from your throat and each nostril. It is very important to read the instructions carefully for the specific rapid test you are using because there are small differences between different types. Rapid tests can be used for all ages.
Please review:
COVID-19 PCR testing is available for adults via swab collection from the nasopharyngeal area or throat and nares. All health care providers must successfully complete the required education and skills practice prior to independently performing specimen collection for respiratory infections.
Education involves learning how to:
Patient education is provided by regulated health care providers.
An unlicensed health care provider (e.g. Emergency Support Aide/Health Support Aide) should seek assistance from a regulated health care provider in the following circumstances:
If any team member observes that a client may be acutely unwell or may require immediate medical attention, they must not collect COVID-19 specimens and they are responsible to seek assistance and ensure emergency care services are contacted immediately (e.g. 911).
A college, association, board or other entity regulates the practice of the provider in the public interest by setting out the criteria for membership, a process for the investigation/resolution of complaints against members, and provides that persons who are not admitted as members may not engage in the scope of practice as defined in the governing statute. A regulated health care provider has a governing statute, a scope of practice as defined in its governing statute, and is guided by standards of practice and a code of ethics.
Regulated health care providers who are currently supported to participate in COVID-19 testing include the following:
Nova Scotia Health launched an initiative to add nasopharyngeal testing to the scope of employment for trained unlicensed health care providers (UHCPs) in certain positions/practice areas. This will help to support current and future demands for nasopharyngeal testing. This practice is supported by policies, education/training, and support of local teams who are testing for respiratory infections.
Nova Scotia Health is responsible to ensure UHCPs receive adequate education, training and support to provide safe care. The UHCP is accountable for completion of all mandatory education and for their individual actions or inaction in practice settings as per their scope of employment.
The practice of UHCPs is not set out in or regulated by legislation. UHCPs are accountable for their actions (which includes inactions) to their employer through a scope of employment, rather than a regulatory body (e.g. college, association). Individual UHCPs are always accountable for their actions (which includes inaction) and the decisions they make within their scope of employment.
Examples of UHCPs include:
The materials and documents of Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) are developed by NSHA and intended for use by NSHA only.
No part of these documents may be reproduced in any form for publication without permission of NSHA. Any organization wishing to use this resource should carefully assess their specific needs before incorporating this document in whole or part into local processes and direction. NSHA accepts no responsibility for use of NSHA materials/documents by any person or organization outside of NSHA. No liability will be assumed for its use outside the NSHA.