NOTE: Since this article was published, ACP has updated the Temporary authorization to collect a throat swab specimen for testing for COVID-19 in support of pharmacists who are working with government and Alberta Health Services to provide COVID-19 testing (November 10, 2020).
Alberta Health has expanded its Pharmacy-Based Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Program to allow enrolment for pharmacists from all pharmacies interested in participating.
ACP has received many questions from pharmacy teams across Alberta about providing asymptomatic COVID-19 testing to their communities.
If your pharmacy is considering providing asymptomatic testing, visit the Alberta Blue Cross website for information and resources including (but not limited to) the following:
- testing program information,
- COVID-19 testing FAQs,
- specimen collection kit order form,
- patient checklist, and
- Alberta Blue Cross claiming process.
Enrolment in the Pharmacy-Based Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Program must be completed by each pharmacist who will be physically conducting the assessment and throat swab sample collection. Enrolment is NOT done for a pharmacy, but rather each pharmacist participating in the Program
Remember, if conducting asymptomatic COVID-19 testing, you must adhere to ACP’s Temporary authorization to collect a throat swab specimen for testing asymptomatic Albertans for COVID-19 guidance.
For more information on the Pharmacy-Based Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Program, contact the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association or Alberta Blue Cross at
- 780-498-8370 (Edmonton and area),
- 403-294-4041 (Calgary and area), or
- 1-800-361-9632 (toll free).
