Health Canada regulators today approved another rapid COVID-19 test — the first antigen device to receive the necessary approvals for use in this country. U.S.-based Abbott Laboratories can now sell and distribute the Panbio COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device, which can produce results in less than 20 minutes. The antigen rapid tests — which, depending on the device, use matter collected from nasal or throat swabs — don't require the use of a lab to generate results. WATCH: Dr. Njoo discusses the accuracy of antigen testsNjoo on the new rapid antigen test for COVID-19 2:11 Deputy Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Howard Njoo explains how the Panbio COVID-19 test fits into the government's testing strategy. Someone who receives a positive antigen test could then be sent for a follow-up PCR test to confirm the result, he said.

Source: CBC News October 06, 2020 14:47 UTC