(Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Troy Gillard

Positive and negative results

Albertans can now get COVID-19 test results through text message

Sep 10, 2020 | 4:17 PM

CALGARY – Albertans can now receive their COVID-19 test results through an SMS text message or an automated phone call.

Alberta Health Services says anyone who does not consent to receiving results via text message or through an automated phone call will instead receive their results through a call from an AHS team member.

As part of standard contact tracing process, AHS says all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will also be contacted by phone by a member of the AHS Public Health team, for further follow-up and support.

AHS expects the new notification systems will decrease the time it takes for Albertans to receive their result, after being swabbed, by a full day.

“It is important that anyone who is tested for COVID-19 receive the results as soon as possible, particularly those with a positive result,” says Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the province’s chief medical officer of health. “I encourage all Albertans who arrange for a COVID-19 test to allow the text or autodialer system to provide their results. That way, you will have the benefit of this critical information as soon as it is available.”

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The AHS autodialer system has delivered negative results to more than 500,000 Albertans since its launch in April. Using automated phone calls to notify Albertans of positive results, and addition of text message functionality, is expected to shorten turnaround times for test results and protect public safety.

“With faster delivery of test results, individuals with COVID-19 can begin self-isolation sooner, reducing the risk of transmission to others,” says Dr. Laura MacDougall, AHS Senior Medical Officer of Health. “This will help Alberta limit the spread of COVID-19.”

SMS text message results are texted any time within a 24-hour period, seven days a week, AHS says, while automated phone calls are made between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Parents and guardians will also be able to consent to receive automated test results for dependents aged 17 years and younger. Albertans 14 years of age and older can also access test results online through MyHealth Records.

Testing is available to all Albertans, whether symptomatic or not, and can be booked at www.ahs.ca/covid

For more information on COVID-19 test results, visit www.ahs.ca/results