Testing for Coronavirus

Many patients have asked me about testing. The only test we currently offer to diagnose active Covid-19 is the nasal swab that detects viral RNA. If you would like to be tested, please send me a WhatsApp message explaining why, and I will schedule you at a convenient time. You need a prescription from me to obtain the test. The test costs Euro 110, and is performed at the HUB every morning between 1100 and 1300; you can get your results in 1-2 days after the test.

Who needs the test? If you are traveling and will need to be quarantined, a negative test is sometimes required to get out of quarantine. Returning travelers from USA and from many other countries may require a negative test. If you are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and you were exposed to a suspected case of Covid, you may need a test. If you aren’t certain, feel free to send me a message on WhatsApp.

The antibody test is not useful for making the diagnosis of Covid. It is useful for determining if someone has been previously exposed to the novel coronavirus. It is NOT accurate to rule out the disease. We also offer this test at the HUB: it needs a prescription, and entails a blood sample, The price is Euro 50, and the results are ready the same afternoon.

Please be careful about getting these tests at laboratories that have not been certified, or that might not have quality control systems in place. If you have any questions, please let me know.