Point-of-care rapid testing solutions
Reduce risk and monitor immunity with customized rapid testing programs using Health Canada-approved devices. Rapid, onsite tests reduce the transmission of COVID-19. When offsite lab-based testing isn’t easily accessed, or there simply isn’t time, point-of-care rapid tests fill the immediate gap. With results in minutes—not days—rapid tests get people back to work and daily life sooner.
Sample and test onsite with results in minutes
Songbird Life Science is a national leader in designing and deploying rapid-testing programs that use the most-reliable, Health Canada-approved devices. Whether it is one test or a combination, a Songbird plan is evidence-based and customized to suit the needs of the space and the people within it.
Rapid test comparison
Different rapid tests answer different questions. Whether detecting active infection or the presence of antibodies, each test is designed to respond at different points during a viral infection.
 PCR/NAAT |  Antigen |  Antibody | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirms the presence of an active viral infection | Confirms the presence of an active viral infection | Confirms the presence of antibodies from past infection or vaccine |
| Method | Swab-based test Nasal or Nasopharyngeal to identify genetic markers | Swab-based test Nasal or Nasopharyngeal to identify protein signatures | Lancet-based test Blood test to identify IgM or IgG antibodies |
| Time | Less than 2 hours | Less than 20 minutes | Less than 20 minutes |
| Qualities | • Highest accuracy • Earliest detection • Most conclusive way to validate infection risk | • Lowest cost • Easiest to deploy and test • Fastest results | • Surveillance tool for monitoring public health • May determine immunity, vaccine efficacy and duration of protection |
| Limits | • Moderate cost • More complex deployment | • Positive test may require PCR to confirm • Lower accuracy • Unproven reliability for asymptomatic hosts | • IgG test does not identify active infection • Does not guarantee an individual cannot infect others |
| Applications |  Diagnostic Screening Outbreak situations Immunity monitoring | Diagnostic Screening Outbreak situations Immunity monitoring | Diagnostic Screening Outbreak situations Immunity monitoring |
Probability of detection
Graph is for illustrative purposes only.
Explore our rapid testing options
PCR test
A PCR rapid test applies DNA/RNA technology to accurately identify the genetic markers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Learn more
Antigen test
A rapid antigen test for COVID-19 detects SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins to confirm the presence of an active infection. Learn more
Antibody test
Antibodies are proteins produced in response to a viral infection offering protection from future reinfection. Learn more