Rapid Test & Trace Canada
Rapid Test & Trace Canada is an online retailer of rapid testing devices and related products and services for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Rapid Test & Trace Canada began its operations in 2020 as a volunteer advocacy campaign. The organization's primary objective was democratizing rapid testing within Canada and globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]
In May 2021, the company launched an online store to sell rapid COVID tests in Canada. Rapid Test & Trace also expanded their reach in the USA and Australia later in 2021.[2] As a part of the RT Medical family of brands, which includes Rapid Test & Trace USA and Post-COVID Support Community, operations continue to grow in 2023 with mobile nursing, patient communities, telehealth services, regulatory consulting, and retail medical products.[3]
History
Rapid Test & Trace Canada’s first operations started in 2020 as a response to rising COVID cases. Due to the lack of screening tools for COVID in Canada, the company functioned as a volunteer advocacy campaign to spread awareness about the benefits of rapid antigen testing. As a coalition of academicians, public health professionals, medical specialists and businesses in health and hospitality, the group petitioned the government to incorporate rapid antigen tests in its COVID-19 defense strategies.[4]
The company organized a municipality-wide pilot program for the Town of Banff, Alberta, in April 2021. But after failing to gain approval for the Banff Pilot, Rapid Test & Trace Canada started its first e-commerce operations in May 2021 to meet the rising demand for COVID tests. The online COVID store provided the general public access to Health Canada approved rapid antigen test devices. With COVID tests not readily available, the ecommerce store gained momentum and witnessed massive success in Canada.[5]
Later that year, Rapid Test & Trace launched its USA and Australia branches to supply rapid testing products and services through its localized e-commerce operations. Since then, the company has launched special at-home and virtual testing initiatives to make COVID testing accessible to the public. These observed tests are available for travel and workplace requirements with valid certificates that can be used for security clearance while traveling during COVID-19 lockdown.[6] Rapid Test & Trace Canada currently offers COVID-19, Strep A, and Influenza A&B testing devices and services.[7]
Throughout the pandemic, the company grew into one of the biggest online retailers of rapid antigen tests for COVID, operating businesses in the United States, Canada, and Australia with dedicated websites for local shipping.[8]
Products and Services
Rapid Test & Trace Canada currently offers a range of products and services for self-collected rapid diagnosis. These products and services are available for wholesale distribution and to corporate and personal purchasing.[4]
Offering self-testing kits for COVID, flu and strep diagnosis, Rapid Test & Trace Canada only stocks Health Canada approved brands. These include major companies like Lucira, CovClear, PCL, Boson and BTNX. The kits are also available in different formats, including spit and nasal and throat swab tests. Other essential products include personal protective equipment (PPE) such as medical gloves, KN95 disposable face masks and HEPA filters are also available for purchase from their e-commerce site. The company also offers same-day shipping and nationwide delivery in Canada.[4]
Rapid Test & Trace Canada has also launched a uniquely designed testing service. Customers can choose either an at-home mobile or virtual observed testing format. The online testing services are moderated virtually through video conferencing and provide customers with a certificate that’s authorized for travel. A trained medical practitioner supervises the test session and is also responsible for accurately interpreting the results. The result certificates are delivered by email within minutes of the test appointment. The online observed testing is commonly used for group testing for travel, events and workplaces.[3]
The at-home mobile testing services from Rapid Test & Trace Canada allow patients to get quick and accurate results from the comfort of their homes. Patients can book their test online for COVID, Influenza A&B, RSV and Strep A diagnosis. A registered nurse administers all at-home tests during the scheduled appointment. Results are verbally communicated within 20 minutes. Customers may also request a prescription and a doctor’s note.
In addition to medical products and testing services, Rapid Test & Trace Canada has also worked alongside the government to make testing more accessible during times of public health emergencies. Its sister company, Rapid Test & Trace USA, has also participated in the Free COVID Rapid Test initiative of the Biden administration in 2023.[8]
References
- ↑ "Canadians weigh in on best ways to spit for new COVID Rapid Test". totimes.ca. https://totimes.ca/canadians-weigh-in-on-best-ways-to-spit-for-new-covid-rapid-test/. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ "MDEL License". rapidtestandtrace.ca. 18 March 2022. https://rapidtestandtrace.ca/brokerage-services/. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Joseph Ruttle,"COVID-19: Most Canadians didn't ask guests to take a test before spring holiday gatherings". o.canada.com. 26 April 2022. https://o.canada.com/news/national/covid-rapid-test-holiday-gatherings. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Nicole Di Donato,"'COVID is not done with you': Group urges importance of testing". saskatoon.ctvnews.ca. 18 March 2022. https://saskatoon.ctvnews.ca/covid-is-not-done-with-you-group-urges-importance-of-testing-1.5824346. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ "Opinion: The urgent need for widespread rapid testing". nationalpost.com. 2 February 2021. https://nationalpost.com/opinion/opinion-the-urgent-need-for-widespread-rapid-testing. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ "Where can I get a rapid test for COVID-19 in Ottawa?". ottawa.ctvnews.ca. 2 February 2021. https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/where-can-i-get-a-rapid-test-for-covid-19-in-ottawa-1.5708273. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ "Starting Friday, vaccinated travellers to Canada don't need a COVID-19 test". calgarysun.com. 31 May 2022. https://calgarysun.com/news/national/starting-friday-vaccinated-travellers-to-canada-dont-need-a-covid-19-test/wcm/1917e001-2161-475f-bab2-59c072e9658b. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "84% Of Canadians Are Not Planning To Travel Over March Break 2022". muskoka411.com. 15 March 2022. https://muskoka411.com/84-of-canadians-are-not-planning-to-travel-over-march-break-2022/. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
