Canada’s largest airport has become a laboratory for a study of two-hour PCR testing, as well as comparing the efficacy of antigen (rapid) with rapid polymerase chain reaction tests for the COVID-19 virus in a “high-throughput, commercial environment.”

Conducted by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) with funding in part provided by the National Research Council of Canada, the 10-week “point of need” pilot project at Toronto Pearson will also relieve pressure on testing resources used by airport workers and passengers.

The research project makes free COVID-19 tests available to employees, as well as eligible passengers on select routes who are willing to volunteer as participants and are conducted under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor.

The study began for airport workers on Feb. 24, with operations in Terminal 1 and will gradually increase to full operation in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 by mid-March. Passengers can take part starting March 1, with clinical analysis of PCR test swabs taking place on-site at the airport with results provided to the participant within two hours.

At the same a rapid antigen test, which provides results in 15 minutes, will be administered for research purposes.

Currently PCR tests are standard in Canada with results often not available for days.

“This research will contribute substantial new scientific data to the body of knowledge used to fight this disease by improving access to testing that will identify, trace and isolate COVID-19,” says GTAA President and CEO Deborah Flint, adding that the findings of the study may have applications in other settings, including schools and workplaces.

The GTAA says it is committed to a science- and data-driven approach, guided by experts in healthcare, diagnostic testing, public health, and industry and that the antigen study initiative further deepens its focus on contributing to local and national economic recovery, while protecting the community.

A second study will run in parallel to the federally funded study to compare the antigen and rapid PCR tests. Using volunteer airport workers, the Workplace Antigen Testing Study will explore the viability of frequent antigen testing within a workforce as a method to quickly identify, trace, and isolate COVID-19. By testing multiple times per week over multiple weeks, researchers will be able to study how frequent use of antigen tests can improve workplace safety by reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The new streams of research are the latest programs that the GTAA has engaged in to advance the cause of COVID-19 testing and research. In September 2020, the GTAA co-sponsored the globally recognized McMaster HealthLabs International Border Study at Toronto Pearson, which has contributed to continuing public policy discussion around arrivals testing as an effective protective layer against COVID-19