Health Canada

Nucleic acid-based testing is also called molecular testing, and is often called PCR. Molecular tests detect the virus genetic material (nucleic acids). Public health laboratories in Canada and around the world use nucleic acid-based testing to diagnose COVID-19 infection. This test is the gold...

A near patient in vitro diagnostic device (IVDD) is used for: point-of-care testing in a health care setting (for example, doctor’s office, pharmacy, at the bedside) or self-testing ( for example, used by individuals at home). Typically, these rapid test devices are simple to use and provide...

As the pandemic evolves, we are continuously updating our guidance and positions in light of the new scientific information available to us. We are open to reviewing all testing solutions as they become available.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced border measures authorized by the Quarantine Act were introduced to ensure appropriate actions are taken to reduce the spread of the virus.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience. The goal of this work is to help make sure that people who use(d) substances can continue to access...

Canada and the Northwest Territories agree that immediate action and collaboration was and continues to be needed among governments to expand virtual care services to support improved access to publicly insured health care services for Canadians and to work together to further accelerate the use...

The purpose of this notice is to communicate the types of testing technologies that Health Canada considers are a priority for review.

During the pandemic, there may be more deviations from the established protocol. Despite this, it’s important to continue to protect patient safety and ensure data integrity. This notice addresses the concerns of clinical trial sponsors and Canadians.

Health Canada has answered questions about access to controlled substances at the federal, provincial and territorial government levels. The answers may help health care providers better understand care options during the COVID-19 pandemic for patients who use drugs.

High-level description of when patients, practitioners and pharmacists are exempt from some sections of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

This toolkit provides information to support health care providers to understand their options in providing care for their patients who use drugs during the pandemic.

Targeted actions to reduce the risk of harm for people who use substances during the pandemic.

Between 2018 and 2020, Health Canada has issued a number of exemptions to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Some of the exemptions have been issued to maintain Canadians' access to controlled substances during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supportive online resources to help with pain management during COVID-19.

Health Canada is taking urgent measures to protect consumers from illegal, false or misleading advertising of products claiming to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19.

This notice outlines the safety and effectiveness requirements for closed system devices that decontaminate medical devices using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The notice is for manufacturers using an interim order (IO) authorization or medical device licence application.

Whereas the Minister of Health believes that immediate action is required to deal with a significant risk, direct or indirect, to health, safety or the environment; the Minister of Health, pursuant to subsection 30.1‍(1)Footnote 1 of the Food and Drugs ActFootnote 2, makes the annexed Interim...

Whereas the Minister of Health believes that immediate action is required to deal with a significant risk, direct or indirect, to health, safety or the environment; the Minister of Health, pursuant to subsection 30.1‍(1)Footnote 1 of the Food and Drugs ActFootnote 2, makes the annexed Interim...

Health Canada scientific reviewers evaluate data to assess the potential benefits and risks of a drug or vaccine. They also review the information that will be provided to health care practitioners and consumers about the product. After the review, we may authorize the drug or vaccine for sale in...

The purpose of this notice is to communicate minimum values of sensitivity for COVID-19 antigen testing devices.