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We look at the reality of COVID-19 testing in Colombia: how many COVID-19 tests are being done and compare to testing in other countries. On January 12, 2022 with 131,812 tests a record number of COVID-19 tests were completed in one day.

Many Medellin Guru readers have asked about COVID-19 testing in Colombia. Also, we have seen many inaccurate posts about COVID-19 testing in Medellín and Colombia on the Internet including in several Facebook groups.

In this article, we look at the facts of COVID-19 testing in Colombia including the number of tests Colombia has actually completed and compare to other countries, We also look at how many labs in Colombia are currently doing tests and how many daily tests.

COVID-19 Testing in Colombia

On April 1, 2021, Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) in Colombia reported that it had completed a total of 33,942,728 COVID-19 tests in Colombia.

This means that Colombia has completed 666,009 tests per million people in Colombia based on a population of 50.96 million.

We compare this COVID-19 testing in Colombia with several other countries in Latin America as well to the U.S. and the UK in the following table.

COVID testing in several countries, source Worldometers, 4/1

COVID testing in several countries, source Worldometers, 4/1

Only Brazil in Latin American has done more total COVID-19 tests than in Colombia. Also, Colombia has done more tests per million in population than Argentina, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Mexico and many other countries not in the table.

For the week of March 7 to March 13, 2022, Colombia averaged 27,386 tests per day . In addition, the most tests Colombia has completed in one day was on June 23, 2021 with 127,955 tests.

Also, the following list shows the COVID-19 test counts per day from March 1 to April 1:

  • March 1 – 30,251 tests
  • March 2 – 36.103 tests
  • March 3 – 31,137 tests
  • March 3 – 38,506 tests
  • March 4 – 15,764 tests
  • March 5 – 15,734 tests
  • March 6 – 24,577 tests
  • March  7 – 24,065 tests
  • March  8 – 24,065 tests
  • March  9 – 26,716 tests
  • March  10 – 27,072 tests
  • March  11 – 27,279 tests
  • March  12 – 13,438 tests
  • March  13 – 21,441 tests
  • March  14 – 23,331 tests
  • March  15 – 26,025 tests
  • March  16 – 29,683 tests
  • March  17 – 27,212 tests
  • March  18 – 24,496 tests
  • March  19 – 14,414 tests
  • March  20 – 21,368 tests
  • March  21 – 21,368 tests
  • March  22 – 11,522 tests
  • March  23 – 25,171 tests
  • March  24 – 24,122 tests
  • March  25 – +24,908 tests
  • March  26 – +12,711 tests
  • March  27 – +25,552 tests
  • March  28 – +23,881 tests
  • March  29 – +23,971 tests
  • March  30 – +23,305 tests
  • March  31 – +23,109 tests
  • April 1 – +20,150 tests

Note that the number of tests that Colombia can do in a day depends on the availability of laboratory supplies at labs in Colombia including chemical reagents. Reagent shortages has emerged as a constraint for increasing the rate of testing in Colombia and the rest of the world.

Here is a chart showing the weekly tests done in Colombia.

Weekly COVID tests in Colombia, source INS 3/28

Weekly COVID tests in Colombia, source INS 3/28

COVID-19 Testing in Colombia is Dropping as Active Cases Drop

Colombia primarily tests people with symptoms or have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19.

The number of active coronavirus cases in Colombia have been dropping then went up and back down. Active cases drop on many days as recoveries increase, as seen in the following chart.

Active cases in Colombia by day, source Worldometers, Feb, 12

Active cases in Colombia by day, source Worldometers, Feb, 12

On April 1, out of a total of 6,085,270 coronavirus cases in Colombia, 4,104   cases were active. So, only 0.07 percent of total coronavirus cases were active on this date and 97.26 percent were recovered.

Colombia Adds More Labs for COVID-19 Testing

The testing rate for COVID-19 should increase in Colombia and on some days in June 2021 is now doing over 100,000 test in one day.

On April 9, INS reported it had 17 labs doing COVID-19 tests with plans to have 20 more labs starting tests in the following week.  In addition, by April 11, the count of labs in Colombia for COVID-19 testing had increased to a total of 23 labs with six new labs added with an additional capacity for 2,378 daily tests for coronavirus:

  1. Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá – 300 daily tests
  2. Universidad del Bosque in Bogotá – 200 daily tests
  3. Compensar in Bogotá in 2 locations – 1,400 daily tests
  4. Colsanitas Laboratorio Molecular Keralty in Bogotá – 370 daily tests
  5. Fundación Santa Fe in Bogotá – 48 daily tests
  6. University of Córdoba in Montería – 60 daily tests

By April 15, INS reported it had 47 labs doing COVID-19 tests with plans to increase this to 70 labs. And by August 20, INS actually had 119 labs doing COVID-19 tests . And by January 1, 2021, INS had 149 labs doing tests.

With 149 labs, Colombia now reportedly has the lab capacity for over 80,000 COVID-19 tests daily. But this depends on having sufficient lab supplies including chemical reagents. The most tests Colombia has done in one day so far was on January 12, 2022 with 131,812 tests.

Colombia Previously Had a Testing Capacity Issue

There has been an issue in the past with testing capacity in some cities in Colombia. But this improved dramatically by June as Colombia added labs.

INS, claims the variability in tests per day back in March and April in Colombia was due to the fact that Colombia is forced to import laboratory supplies such as chemical reagents. However, we believe Colombia also experienced a testing capacity issue in some cities in the past.

For example, in Medellín, from March 30 to April 6, a total of 1,071 tests were processed and 634 tests were still pending to know the test results. So, in a period of a week, Medellín averaged only 153 tests per day. But Medellín still had a backlog of 634 tests due to insufficient capacity.

Also, we believe that Cali had a COVID-19 testing capacity issue, as news reports in April indicated that tests in Cali were taking up to 10 days.

There is currently a global shortage of test kits and chemical reagents for testing for COVID-19. And Colombia must compete with other countries. As a result, there can be testing shortages and extended wait times for test results.

For example, here is an article in Canada about shortages and shortages in Australia and many other countries have reported test kit and chemical reagent shortages.

June 2021, testing issues are much improved in Colombia, as Colombia started to do over 100,000 tests per day on many days.

COVID-19 Testing Types

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 tests. 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.

However, PCR tests are far more complex to develop and manufacture with an acute global shortage of quality testing equipment and reagents. Also, PCR tests must be done in a lab and most PCR tests can take a few hours to a few days. The RT-PCR test is the only type of test used in Colombia for reported COVID-19 testing statistics.

But new rapid molecular diagnostic tests for COVID-19 can provide results in less than an hour. For example, Abbott’s new ID Now can deliver results in minutes using a small machine that can be used at a point-of-care and doesn’t require a lab.

The other type of 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, which allows them to be used at point-of-care.

When you’re exposed to COVID-19, your body develops antibodies, which can take several days to over a week. Serological tests are much faster than standard molecular tests, returning results in as few as 10-15 minutes.

However, since it can take several days for the body to develop an antibody response to the virus, serological tests may not be reliable in identifying a current infection. Serological tests have the potential of producing a false negative, a false result when you actually have the infection.

Colombia’s Rapid COVID-19 Tests

The first batch of 47,500 rapid tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19 arrived in early April in the country, as reported by the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Fernando Ruiz Gómez.

These tests, which are the first of several batches, were planned to be used at be at a point-of-care in offices or clinics to diagnose people. In the event that a rapid antibody detection test is positive, it must be confirmed with RT-PCR test.

On March 25 the Health Ministry in Colombia announced that it plans to increase testing capability to at least 350,000 rapid tests per week. This will enable detecting more cases to ensure those who are infected are isolated so they don’t infect more people.

But that 350,000 per week goal is questionable even thought Colombia was to receive over 1 million rapid tests. Also, after May there was almost nothing in the Colombian news about rapid testing anymore.

Abbott Laboratories in the U.S. was sending over 1 million COVID-19 rapid tests to Colombia in April. Also, reportedly 50,000 COVID-19 rapid tests were received in Colombia from South Korea on April 6 and another 10,000 COVID-19 rapid tests were received from the UAE on April 8.

However, Colombia has been testing the Basepoint rapid test from the Abbott laboratories. And found after a sampling of 311 analysis that if the rapid test is used in patients with a symptom time of less than 11 days, there is a risk that the result is a “false negative”, despite the fact that patients are sick.

So, the bottom line is these rapid COVID-19 tests do not really confirm diagnosis but are complementary to the RT-PCR test and can be used in epidemiological surveillance. With almost nothing in the news about rapid testing anymore, it appears that Colombia is no longer serious about doing so many rapid tests.

Number to Call in Medellín if You Think You Have Coronavirus

Medellín uses the 123 emergency phone number for coronavirus reports.

People who in the last two weeks have been in countries where the virus circulates, and who have symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and muscle fatigue, or who have been in contact with patients who meet with the above criteria can call this emergency number.

Medellín asks residents to make responsible use of this single line of emergencies, and also recommends consulting EPS health insurance websites.

Also, we have a separate articles that look at how to get a COVID-19 test in Medellín and how to get a COVID-19 test in Bogotá.

Colombia has 24 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America

Colombia has 24 of the Best Hospitals in Latin America

Healthcare in Colombia

Colombia has 24 of the top 58 clinics and hospitals in Latin America, according to a study in late 2019 by América Economia. So, 41 percent of the best hospitals in Latin America are found in Colombia. Nine of these best hospitals in Latin America are located in Medellín and nine are in Bogotá.

In 2017, Colombia had 20 of the top 49 clinics and hospitals in Latin America. And in 2018, Colombia had 23 of the top 58 hospitals. So, the count in 2019 has increased to 24 of the top 58 clinics and hospitals in Latin America for 2019.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia’s healthcare system as #22 out of 191 countries it ranked. And no other countries in Latin America were ranked higher than Colombia. So, according to WHO, Colombia has the best healthcare system in Latin America.

Also, Colombia’s healthcare system is ranked higher than many wealthier countries like the United States (#37), Germany (#25), Canada (#30) and Australia (#32).

In Colombia, it is possible to have access to world-class healthcare at a fraction of the cost compared to the healthcare costs in North America or Europe. Furthermore, the costs for healthcare in Colombia can be significantly lower than the costs found in the U.S.

Due to having the best healthcare system in Latin America, Colombia is probably better positioned than many other countries in Latin America to handle coronavirus.

Health Insurance in Colombia

Health insurance is relatively inexpensive in Colombia and will cover you if you happen to catch COVID-19.

One of the reasons that Colombia has such a highly rated healthcare system is due to a new constitution that Colombia drafted in 1991 that made access to healthcare a basic human right to all citizens of Colombia, as well as foreign residents of Colombia.

There are three types of health insurance available in Colombia:

  1. EPS – Entidadas Promotoras de Salud– this is the public health insurance that is mandatory for everybody who is a resident of Colombia. The monthly premium is calculated as 12.5 percent of the monthly gross income that you declare to the EPS.
  2. Prepagada – this is private healthcare insurance in Colombia. The monthly premium for Prepagada varies depending on your age, the plan you choose and any pre-existing conditions.
  3. SISBEN – this is a free government subsidized healthcare system, which is only for very poor or homeless Colombians.

Medellin Guru has partnered with an insurance agent to offer health insurance and other insurance products like life insurance, homeowners insurance and auto insurance to foreigners and Colombians.

We partnered with a bilingual insurance agent who speaks English and Spanish. And she has many foreigner clients.

Over 237 Medellin Guru readers have obtained insurance through our partnership including health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance and travel insurance.

This insurance service is easy to use, just click on the button below to get started.

Use the Medellin Guru Insurance Service

We highly recommend using a bilingual insurance agent to sign up for insurance in Colombia instead of trying to sign up yourself. Everything for signing up for insurance in Colombia is in Spanish and the forms can be complicated to fill out. 

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:

The Bottom Line: COVID-19 Testing in Colombia – Reality About Coronavirus Testing

Colombia has increasing its capacity for COVID-19 testing but can be challenged with a global shortage of testing kits and chemical reagents.

Many foreigners have wondered why Colombia can’t increase COVID-19 testing faster. There are obvious limits in terms of laboratories, lab professionals, equipment and health care staff to administer tests.

More limiting growth of testing is a global shortage of testing kits and chemical reagents to contend with. China is ramping up COVID-19 testing exports but can’t keep up with global demand.

Lack of tests is one reason that over one-third of the world has implemented quarantines and lockdowns. Ideally, testing could be used to check not only everyone who has symptoms but also their close contacts, so they could be identified as infected, isolated or quarantined as well.

Also, we have a separate article that looks at how to get a COVID-19 test in Medellín and an article about how to get a COVID-19 test in Bogotá.

In addition, have a popular article about Coronavirus in Colombia that is updated daily including the count of coronavirus tests done in Colombia. So, we will continue to watch to see how effective Colombia is in its COVID-19 testing and see how quickly the count of tests in Colombia increases.

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Editors note: updated on March 31, 2022 with current COVID-19 testing numbers in Colombia and updated graphics in the article for March 31.

Editors note: updated on April 1, 2022 with current COVID-19 testing numbers in Colombia and updated graphics in the article for April 1.