PCR Test: looking to get a COVID-19 test in Medellín? We provide advice and information on places and prices for COVID-19 tests in Medellín.
Coronavirus show no signs of going away in Colombia. Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about COVID-19 tests and particularly about PCR tests needed for international travel.
Note the U.S. will start requiring a COVID-19 test for travelers to the U.S. starting on January 26, either a PCR test or an antigen test.
Whether you need a PCR test for travel, arrived in Colombia without a PCR test and need a PCR test, have symptoms or have been in contact with someone infected, we provide information about obtaining COVID-19 tests in Medellín.
Do You Need a Test?
Many people don’t necessarily need to be tested for coronavirus and can avoid putting strain on the medical system.
If you’re traveling to another country you may need to get tested, depending on country.
Also, if you arrived in Colombia without a PCR test, if you get negative results from a PCR test in Colombia you avoid the need to quarantine tor 14 days. You can obtain PCR test results 48 hours or less in Medellín.
If you’ve had contact with infected people it’s probably a good idea even if you don’t have symptoms. However, you can simply self-isolate for 14 days. The most common symptoms include: fever, dry cough, loss of taste and/or smell.
The second decision is whether you want to leave the house or not. You may find it hard to get around, or you may be worried about infecting others as you travel. EPS insurance providers generally recommend home visits for tests, private clinics may offer home service at a small cost. Waiting for a home visit reduces infection chances, but will increase overall time.
The U.S. Requires a COVID-19 Test Starting on January 26
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 12 issued an order that will require a negative COVID-19 test from all air passengers entering the United States starting on January 26 — a move it says may help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
To enter the U.S., you will need to be tested no more than 72 hours before your flight to the U.S. departs. Make sure to be tested with a viral test (PCR or antigen test) to determine if you are currently infected with COVID-19.
If you have had a positive viral COVID-19 test in the past 3 months and you have met the criteria to end isolation, you may travel to the U.S. instead with documentation of your positive viral test results and a letter from your healthcare provider or a public health official that states you have been cleared for travel. The positive test result and letter together are referred to as “documentation of recovery.”
Airlines will not permit you to board on flights to the U.S. starting on January 26 if you do not have a required test or documentation of recovery.
What is a PCR Test?
The two most common are PCR and antigen (antígeno), with antibody testing coming a distant third.
The first type of test, RT-PCR is a molecular test that is considered the gold standard and is used by Colombia for most of its test. PT-PCR stands for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test, which tries to find genetic sequences of the virus by deploying primers – chemicals or reagents which are added to test if a reaction occurs – that attach to the targeted genetic sequences.
The PCR test and antigen tests are performed with nasal swabs and are usually the most reliable in the early stages of the disease.
- A PCR test is typically needed for travel and is a more accurate test, especially in the early stages of coronavirus. However, this test is more expensive and takes longer to return results.
- The antigen test is quicker and not always as reliable as a PCR test. This test is typically recommended only if you have symptoms or seven days after you’ve had contact with someone who’s tested positive.
- The antibody (anticuerpo) test is another option, although much less useful. This test is a rapid serological test that relies on detecting antibodies in a blood sample, usually obtained through a simple finger prick. These tests do not require special equipment to process the results.
Clínica las Américas, photo by SajoR
Getting a COVID-19 Test at Private Hospitals
You can obtain a COVID-19 test at private hospitals in Medellín. Medellín has nine of the best hospitals in Latin America.
We recommend Clinica Las Americas in Belén, which has a drive through test with relatively fast results. One Medellin Guru reader went at 9 am for a PCR test and had results in 5 hours but this depends on how busy the lab is. Normal processing is up to 48 hours. Clinica Las Americas has a lab onsite. So, there is no need to send the test to a lab elsewhere.
Test Location – Clinica Las Americas, Diagonal 75B # 2A-80/140, near PriceSmart.
Website: https://laboratoriomedico.lasamericas.com.co/
- PCR test cost – 288,000 pesos
- Antibody test cost – 90,000 pesos
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm, possibly open in the morning on Saturday.
- Appointment – not needed
- Time for PCR test results – 48 hours or less
Getting a COVID-19 Test at Private Labs
There are labs in Medellín, which offer COVID-19 tests. One Medellin Guru reader reported a good experience at PROANALAB in Laureles.
Test Location – PROANALAB, Carrera 49 #60-05, Laureles
Website: https://www.proanalab.com/
- PCR test cost – 270,000 pesos
- Antigen test cost – 140,000 pesos
- Antibody test cost – 90,000 pesos
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday: 8 am to 1 pm
- Appointment – not needed
- Time for PCR test results – 48 hours or less
COVID-19 Testing Tent in Sabaneta, across the street from the Vaquita grocery store
Getting a COVID-19 Test at Mobile Tents
There are a few mobile tents set up in the Medellín metro area that permit walk-ins and drive through COVID-19 tests.
Testing tents associated with PROANALAB are set up in Laureles, Sabaneta and Central Mayorista in Itagüí. Note that the Itagüí location does not offer PCR tests. In addition, they offer domicilio (home) tests).
Flyer of the COVID-19 testing tent in Sabaneta
Test Locations:
- Laureles – Carrera 76 #32EE29
- Sabaneta – Carrera 43A #64Sur-87 (across from the Vaquita grocery store)
- Itagüí – Central Mayorista (no PCR tests offered here)
- PCR test cost – 270,000 pesos
- Antigen test cost – 140,000 pesos
- Antibody test cost – 90,000 pesos
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
- Appointment – not needed
- Time for PCR test results – 48 hours or less
Two Medellin Guru readers obtaining PCR tests at the Sabaneta location. One received his results in 48 hours and the other in 24 hours. If you go early in the day and their lab is not busy it is possible to obtain results the next day.
Getting a COVID-19 Test Using EPS Insurance
Since all EPS insurance providers are different, prices will vary, possibly dramatically. Two Medellin Guru readers used SURA EPS to obtain a PCR test. They couldn’t get at test at a SURA medical center, but had to schedule a visit to their home. Scheduling can vary, for one reader it was the same day and the other in three days.
EPS call centers may avoid appointments for tests if you don’t have symptoms and may ask you to self-isolate instead of taking a test. Also, processing times are longer than private hospitals and labs.
- PCR test cost – free or low cost
- Antigen test cost – free or low cost
- Antibody test cost – free or low cost
- Appointment – needed
- Time for test results – 72 hours or longer
Computer generated image of COVID-19, photo by Felipe Esquivel Reed
Medellin Guru’s Coronavirus Series
Medellin Guru has a series of articles about the coronavirus pandemic and the impacts in Colombia: Also, these articles are being kept up-to-date, as this is a fast-moving topic:
- PCR Test: How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medellín
- Nightly Curfews in January in Medellin and Antioquia Start on January 6
- Nightly Curfew in Medellín For Christmas and New Year’s Holidays
- Colombia is Buying 10 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine from Pfizer
- Does Colombia Require a COVID-19 Test for International Travelers?
- 8 Reasons Why Colombia is Unlikely to Return to a Quarantine
- Coronavirus Cases Increase in Medellín: What Happens Next?
- New Normal in Medellín: Medellín is Returning to Normal
- Will the Quarantine Return to Colombia? What if Cases Increase?
- New Normal in Medellín: Medellín is Returning to Normal
- Colombia’s Quarantine Ends on September 1: New Phase Starts
- Tourism Impact of Coronavirus: Colombia Starts to Reactivate Tourism
- Economy Impacts in Colombia Due to Extended Quarantine
- Epicenter of Coronavirus in Colombia: Bogotá is the Epicenter
- Medellín Plans the Total Reopening of Economic Activities in the City
- When Will the Quarantine End in Colombia? On September 1?
- Humanitarian Flights from Colombia to the U.S. and Other Countries
- Beware of Fake News in Colombia About Coronavirus and Quarantines
- Reopening Gymnasiums, Churches and Movie Theaters in Colombia
- Reopening Amusement Parks, Zoos and Nature Reserves in Colombia
- Medellín Starts Free COVID-19 Tests on the Medellín Metro
- New COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Medellín to Contain the Pandemic
- Penalties for Violating the Quarantine in Medellín are Stiff
- COVID-19 Orange Alert in Bogotá: New Lockdowns in Bogotá
- Medellín Starts to Lift the Quarantine: Enters Smart Isolation Phase
- Colombia Started to Lift the Quarantine – What Does this Mean?
- Coronavirus: When Will the Quarantine Be Lifted in Colombia?
- Colombia Starts to Lift the Quarantine in COVID-19 Free Areas
- Colombia Quarantine: Nationwide Quarantine Extended to September 1
- Coronavirus in Colombia: Myth vs Reality – Current Status
- Coronavirus Hospitalization in Colombia: Myth vs Reality
- Are Medellín and Antioquia Winning the Coronavirus Battle?
- 23 Cities with a Major Increase in Coronavirus Cases in Colombia
- Colombia Coronavirus Death Rate: What are the Chances of Dying?
- Coronavirus: When Will Things Return to Normal in Colombia?
- COVID-19 Testing in Colombia: Realty About Coronavirus Testing
- Life as an Expat: During Medellín’s Coronavirus Quarantine
- Colombian Visa Process Changes: Due to Quarantine and Coronavirus
- Medellín Coronavirus Closures – What is Closed in Medellín?
- Pico y Cedula: A Restriction for Grocery Shopping in the Aburrá Valley During the Quarantine
- Pico y Cedula in Colombia: Which is Strictest Out of 5 Largest Cities?
- Medellín Quarantine Starts on March 20 for Four Days
The Bottom Line: PCR Test – How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medellín
Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about how to obtain a PCR test or COVID-19 test in Medellin. So, we provided this guide.
It is possible to obtain a PCR test in Medellín for cheaper than in the U.S. One reader recently reported they paid $200 USD for a PCR test in the U.S. And you can obtain a PCR test in Medellin for less than $100 USD.
There are many places that provide COVID-19 tests in Medellín and we provide information about a few testing paces in this article that Medellin Guru readers have reported success and good service.
If readers have experienced success with other COVID-19 testing places in Medellín, please let us know about the testing place including the cost and processing time in the comments below. We can add to this article.
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Editors note: updated on January 15, 2021 to add the lab PROANALAB to the article.
Lots of us live in Poblado. A list of Poblado clinics, if any, offering PCR tests would be useful.
Sorry, two readers had bad experiences with testing at two locations in El Poblado so did not include them. If we hear good experiences will add to the list.
Thanks. Can you advise which labs, and what problems they had. Because those of us in Poblado will be looking anyway in our area first if we need a test
One was Bioreferencia Laborataria, did not get results in 48 hours as promised. The other I can’t find the email from the reader, may have deleted it.
COVID tests in the US are free of charge. Not true that there is a $200 charge. Perhaps in a private clinic but test are offered fre of charge to the public
No Medellin Guru reader has reported they found a free PCR test place in the U.S. with PCR test results within 72 hours.
Public/Free places will NOT guarantee a response time either. It actually took 4 to 7 days. Do you really want to risk your travel plans on that? Thats why I planned stopover in Panama (Pacifica Salud $50) to get a 48-hour guaranteed test, before continuing to Colombia.
Private clinics quoted $150 to $300+
Now if Colombia would have on-arrival rapid airport testing… saludos
Yes, exactly. That is what readers have reported in the U.S. ranging from $150 to over $300 for a PCR test with results within 48 hours.
How do they inform you of the results, is it done by email , text message, whatapp type message. Do they offer options for the delivery of the results..
Most are by email so you can print out for flights. I recall one had option for sending to you physically but pay extra.
I didn’t need to get Covid test on last trip but just wanted to call out two hospitals in Bogota that I got excellent care and labs service: Fundacion Santa Fe Bogota (Usaquen) and Clinica Marly (Chapinaro)
[actual reason I commented was to get notified of new comments, now that returning to US requires test] SALUDOS
Thanks for the information, the U.S. has turned into a nightmare with COVID and the mess in D.C., no way I would want to return there. Better to be here in Colombia.
I got my PCR test at the Nova Clinic in Envigado across from the Viva Mall. It cost 270,000 COP, took less than 30 minutes for everything and I got my results back in 36 hours.
Do you know of any testing sites in Guatape? or are they really only in Medellin?
Not aware of a testing site in Guatape. Ask for the local clinic.
Thank you for this information. I am travelling next month to Medellin and with Canada now needing a negative PCR test to go back home this information is very valuable. was worried about how fast I can get a test back to plan my return trip.
The testing sites in our article except for SURA EPS can do a PCR test in 48 hours.
Went to PROANALAB in Laureles today for a Covid antibody test and the service was fantastic. Very highly recommended.
How much pesos do they charge for a PCR test and how many hours to get the result?
In the article above it has prices in pesos and time for PCR results in a few locations.
For example, at Clinica Las Americas 288,000 peso and time for PCR test results – 48 hours or less. One reader went in the morning and had results in 5 hours but depends how busy they lab is.
On the PROANALAB website it say PCR test within 48 hours but doesn’t have a price, see https://www.proanalab.com/pruebas-covid
PROANALAB is the lab that does tests for the testing tents in the article above where they charge 270,000 pesos for a PCR test, so the price may be the same. We will see if we can find out.
We added PROANALAB to the above article with more information.
PROANALAB charges 270,000 pesos for a PCR test.
Unidad Medico Centrolab (in Poblado I believe) will do a PCR for $220 mil pesos. And will do it in your home for another $13,000 pesos. I haven’t used the service, but was looking two days ago.