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).
To support Alberta Health’s asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in pharmacies, ACP had temporarily enabled the collection of throat swab specimens, when conducted as part of a specimen collection program in accordance with Standard 29 of the Standards of Practice for Laboratory and Point of Care Testing (POCT). As Alberta Health has paused asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in pharmacies, this temporary authorization is no longer in effect after November 4 but will be enabled again provided asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in pharmacies returns.
For more information or if you have questions for Alberta Blue Cross, refer to Benefact 907.
