'One test is quite sufficient,' Ont. doctor weighs in on rapid testing for low-risk settings
The Easter long weekend is winding down after many families gathered to celebrate the holiday, with many opting to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test before mingling.
Dr. Sohail Gandhi said although the tests are not as effective as PCR testing, they are a useful way to gauge if someone is COVID positive.
"There's been a lot of talk about whether one test is sufficient or not. I think for most gatherings, one test is quite sufficient," said Dr. Gandhi.
The Stayner physician said tests could be used in low-risk settings, but it is reasonable to test more than once before entering a high-risk setting, such as long-term care homes.
"You might want to let the rapid antigen have a little more time to work. Wait for 15 minutes and not two minutes as it was initially suggested to see what the result is like," he noted via Skype.
For those who don't have rapid antigen tests, Dr. Gandhi advised staying home when not feeling well to monitor symptoms.
Last week, a COVID-19 testing device that identifies chemical components in breath samples received emergency use permission from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to the FDA, the breathalyzer test takes less than three minutes for results and can be administered by a certified, trained operator under the supervision of a health-care physician who is licenced or permitted by state law to prescribe tests.
Dr. Gandhi said the new technology sounded promising, and the data provided appeared to be effective in identifying COVID-19.
However, he said before it arrives in Canada, he would like to see additional domestic testing.
"It really needs to go through a proper vetting process through Health Canada before we can use it in a more widespread manner." Something Dr. Gandhi estimated could take between six to five months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre kicked out of Commons after calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko'
Testy exchanges between the prime minister and his chief opponent ended with the Opposition leader and one of his MPs being ejected from the House of Commons on Tuesday -- and the rest of Conservative caucus walking out of the chamber in protest.
Baby, grandparents among 4 people killed in wrong-way police chase on Ontario's Hwy. 401
A police chase which started with a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville Monday night ended in tragedy some 20 minutes later when a suspect fleeing police entered Highway 401 in the wrong direction and caused a pileup which killed an infant and the child's grandparents, as well as the suspect, investigators say.
BREAKING Hosting Vancouver's FIFA World Cup games could cost half a billion dollars
Hosting seven games in Vancouver during the 2026 FIFA World Cup could cost more than half a billion dollars, according to an updated estimate provided Tuesday.
Man dies after suffering cardiac arrest while waiting in ER, widow wants investigation
When an ambulance took David Lippert to the hospital in March of 2023, the 68-year-old Kitchener, Ont., executive was hoping to find out why he was feeling weak and unable to walk. Some 24 hours later, he was found unresponsive in the ER.
Sword-wielding man attacks passersby in London, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring 4 others
A man wielding a sword attacked members of the public and police officers in a northeast London suburb Tuesday, killing a 14-year-old boy and injuring four other people, British authorities said.
Freeland previews omnibus budget bill, proposed capital gains tax change left out
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass a sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget, though left out of the legislation will be the government's proposed capital gains tax change.
WATCH Arnold Schwarzenegger spotted filming in Elora, Ont.
The name of the project has not been officially released although it’s widely believed to be the Netflix series FUBAR.
Conservatives push motion calling for Carney to testify, say it's about 'accountability'
The federal Conservatives made good on their promise to push for former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney to testify before MPs, resulting in a heated political debate in Ottawa on Tuesday.
London Drugs stores remain closed, 'cybersecurity incident' may have breached personal data
London Drugs says it is working with third-party security experts as the company tries to reopen dozens of stores across Western Canada that were shuttered by a cybersecurity incident Sunday.