Press Release
Guidance for how to use the tests
As mentioned in our last update, we’ve updated our “how to swab” guidance to include a throat swab. It’s included in the guidance, but it’s a good idea to provide a verbal reminder to community members not to eat or drink 30 minutes prior to doing the throat swab tests as some drinks/foods can generate a false positive.
Why did we change from just a nasal swab to a throat swab? You can read the study here.
Throat and Nasal swab combined guidance:
Expiry Dates – a note from Health Canada
- Health Canada has changed the expiry date of the Abbott PanBio from 12 to 24 months. For example, this means that if the expiration date on the side of the PanBio test kit that you currently have says 2021.12.29, it will now expire 1 year later on 2022.12.29.
Can the rapid COVID-19 tests freeze?
Good news! They can! The Public Health Agency of Canada has done an analysis of Abbott PanBio and the BTNX Rapid Response tests and they both maintain quality after repeated freezing/thawing. You can read the study here. Please note, the Roche SD Biosensor that YG uses was not included in the initial study. To avoid any confusion we have asked PHAC to conduct the same freeze/thaw analysis on the Roche test and they will report back with their findings. Please continue to discard and Roche tests that may have frozen until we hear back from PHAC that it doesn’t affect quality.
Remember, the tests can’t be used while they are frozen and need to be brought back to room temperature (or the manufacturers recommended temperature for use) prior to use.
Procurement process for YFN Governments and NGOs:
Please email Krista Mooney (Krista.Mooney@cyfn.net), Kari (krjohnst@gmail.com), Math’ieya Alatini (mza@gsdstrategies.ca) to place orders for rapid tests. Tests are free.
- At CYFN we have just over 8000 Abbott PanBIO tests in stock (with another shipment arriving next week) and over 45,000 BNTX tests in stock. We have no concerns about supply constraints for Yukon First Nations at this time. You can use these tests to do both symptomatic and/or asymptomatic screening.
- About the BTNX test: It is an easier product to distribute because it comes pre-packed in a box of 5 tests (so no repackaging!). BUT please do keep in mind that the testing process is different (for example, you need to compress the nostril during the sample collection AND there is a 2 minute wait period before you put drops onto the test pad.) The BTNX product also does slightly better at detecting Omicron (PHAC study.)
- We do not distribute the Roche test. This is only available through Helen Booth at Yukon government.
Ongoing Distribution for Yukon First Nations (Whitehorse)
- CYFN continues to distribute COVID tests daily by pick-up at the Family Preservation Unit (206 Alexander Street Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30pm in Whitehorse)
Yukon First Nations Chamber of Commerce
We’ve expanded the eligibility criteria for businesses to access rapid antigen tests to do asymptomatic workforce screening. Any Yukon business that becomes a member of the YFNCC can access 2 tests per week, per employee to do asymptomatic screening (previous eligibility was for wholly or majority owned FN businesses.) Note: we have developed a separate supply-chain for these tests with Canada and it won’t impact our ability to supply Yukon First Nation governments and NGOs. See the YFNCC post here
