PCR tests are the best and most reliable way to detect covid, but they can be quite expensive. When you’re looking for the cheapest PCR test Toronto has to offer, you’ll find a broad range of prices. Most PCR tests cost $200 to $300 or more, yet you can find some for much lower prices. You’ll find the cheapest PCR test for travel Toronto in MediOne, where you’ll only pay $79.99 plus taxes. This is almost as cheap as some of the cheapest antigen tests available. The only downside is that results take at least 12h to 24h. If you need a faster turnaround time like sam-day results, you’ll have to pay at least twice as much. The cheapest options are Swift Clinics and Switch Health, both of which charge $160 for same-day PCR tests.
If you’re planning to travel abroad from Toronto, you might be wondering where to get a PCR test for COVID-19 that won’t break the bank. PCR tests are considered the most accurate and reliable way to detect the coronavirus, but they can also be quite expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are some options for getting a cheap PCR test in Toronto that can save you money and hassle.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you three places where you can get the cheapest PCR test Toronto has to offer, along with their prices, locations, and turnaround times. Whether you need a PCR test for travel, work, or personal reasons, these places can help you get your results fast and easily.
Overview Of The Places To Get The Cheapest PCR Test In Toronto
As Canadians, we are fortunate enough to have access to some of the world's best health care. However, this doesn't come cheap, and some medical procedures can be quite expensive.
If you're looking for a way to save on your next PCR test in Toronto, check out one of the places below. Prices at these places are much cheaper than those offered by other hospitals or clinics and are just as reliable.
| Test Centers | Price |
| MediOne | $79.99+HST |
| Swift Clinics | $159+HST |
| Switch Health | $160+HST |
In the following sections, we’ll review these three PCR test providers to see what they offer for that price.
#1 MediOne
This is one of the most popular and cheapest options to get a cheap PCR test in Toronto and for a good reason. They offer PCR testing for only $79.99+HST, and results are available within 12 to 24 hours.
With the novel coronavirus pandemic still raging across the country, Ontario ensures that as many people as possible can easily access safe and reliable testing. There's now Rapid Antigen Testing for symptom-free patients, which you can receive in just 15 minutes in some MediOne locations.
#2 Swift Clinics
Swift Clinics offer PCR tests for $159+HST, and you get the test results within the same day before 10 pm. It also offers slower and more precise, ISO-certified RT-PCR tests for $199. At Swift Clinics, they understand the importance of receiving rapid and reliable results when it comes to your or your family's health. That is why they have also developed a system for accurate and rapid COVID-19 antigen testing, with results available in minutes at their travel clinic locations.
Swift Clinic’s PCR test uses RT-PCR technology and meets all standards the United States and Europe laid out for accuracy. In addition, it provides location-specific digital QR codes that can be used to prove tested status in certain countries or by airlines.
Results are delivered directly to your inbox or can be sent as a text message, depending on your preference. The clinics also offer two options when collecting sample information—a nasopharyngeal swab for more precise results or a nasal swab that is less invasive.
Swift Clinics also offers rapid antigen tests for only $59, with results in under an hour.
#3 Switch Health
Switch Health is a trusted resource for PCR testing backed by science and approved by Health Canada. With their fast, reliable, and affordable test results, patients can rest assured knowing the process is safe and secure.
The PCR test costs $160+HST, and results are received on the same day before 10 pm, giving you peace of mind that you have access to up-to-date information quickly.
The Switch Health ASMO portal allows patients to securely book appointments, get their results, and track their health. This allows you to monitor your health while providing all the necessary information in one easy-to-access place.
If taking an at-home testing kit is most suitable for your circumstances, Switch Health also provides instructions to help guide you through the process. With Switch Health's personalized approach considering every customer's needs, it's clear why this service is highly regarded in this industry. Switch Health truly sets itself apart from other companies as a leader in quality healthcare services with their accredited professionals and comprehensive approach.
The Bottom Line
If you need a cheap PCR test in Toronto, you have several options to choose from. MediOne offers PCR testing for only $79.99+HST, with results in 12 to 24 hours. They also offer rapid antigen testing for symptom-free patients in some locations, with results in 15 minutes.
Swift Clinics offers same-day PCR testing for $159+HST, or ISO-certified RT-PCR testing for $199+HST. They also offer rapid antigen testing for $59, with results in under an hour. They provide location-specific QR codes and email or text delivery of results. They also offer nasal or nasopharyngeal swab options.
Finally, Switch Health offers same-day PCR testing for $160+HST, with results delivered through their secure ASMO portal. They also offer at-home testing kits with instructions. They have accredited professionals and a personalized approach to healthcare. These are some of the places where you can get the cheapest PCR test Toronto has to offer without compromising on quality or reliability.
Cheapest PCR Test In Toronto Faqs
Do I have to pay for a PCR test?
If you want to get tested for Covid-19 but don't qualify for a free NHS test, you'll have to pay for the test yourself. Tests are available from several pharmacies and merchants in person and online. Prices for tests vary depending on the provider. Some providers also offer bulk discounts if you're buying multiple tests. Once you've taken the test, results are typically available within 24-48 hours.
What is the RT-PCR test for travel?
The RT-PCR is a molecular test that looks for the presence of the COVID-19 virus. This test is used to diagnose active infections and is the most accurate test currently available. The RT-PCR test can be performed on saliva, mucus, or blood samples. The sample is then mixed with reagents that cause the viruses' RNA to be amplified. The amplified RNA is then detected using fluorescent probes. The RT-PCR test is highly sensitive and can detect very low virus levels. However, it is also expensive and requires special equipment. As a result, it’s not generally used for routine testing.
How long is PCR valid for travel?
If you need to get anywhere within two to three days of your testing, this test is suitable for you. For specifics, read the admission requirements page for that country.
Can I get a PCR test at a pharmacy in Ontario?
Yes, you can get a PCR test at any pharmacy in Ontario. It can be difficult to obtain a PCR test if you cannot travel to a clinical assessment center. Thankfully, it’s possible to get tested at any testing location, including a pharmacy within the province. It’s important to remember that testing locations and clinical assessment centers offer different services.
Many testing locations provide simple tests with quick results that give people an idea of whether they have contracted an illness, while clinical assessment centers offer more in-depth assessments.
What should you not do before the PCR test?
You shouldn’t eat anything, drink (including water), chew gum, brush your teeth, smoke, vape, or do the mouth rinse and gargle test one hour before getting a PCR test.
This one-hour window is necessary because it allows enough time for any recently consumed food particles or residue from other activities to leave your mouth before taking the saliva sample. Therefore, if no such wait period is observed between each of these activities and taking the saliva sample, it can affect your PCR test results and render them unreliable.
