Frequently asked questions about covid-19 screening tests

1. Are safety protocols being followed?

The Hospital complies with all safety protocols for COVID-19 and we are endorsed and certified by the Ministry of Health. Both for performing the testing and for managing patients.

2. What are the COVID-19 related tests performed by the Hospital?

The Hospital provides three tests:

• COVID-19 PCR Test
• COVID-19 Antigen Test (Antigen test for travelers)
• COVID-19 Antibody Test

3. What is the COVID-19 PCR test and what is it for?

The COVID-19 PCR test detects the presence or absence of the genetic material of the virus in the person. It is performed by swabbing both nostrils. This procedure is applicable for both the COVID-19 PCR test and the COVID-19 antigen test for travelers.

4. What is the COVID-19 antigen test and what is it for?

The COVID-19 antigen test detects the presence of virus-specific proteins. It is performed by swabbing both nostrils.

5. What is the COVID-19 Antibody test and what is it for?

This test is performed when the client wants to know if he/she has ever had COVID-19 (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and wants to know whether or not he/she created antibodies. It is performed by taking a blood sample for analysis.

6. What are the requirements for COVID-19 PCR and COVID-19 Antibody testing

There are no requirements.

7. What are the requirements to perform the COVID-19 Antigen test?

It will be performed only for those persons who will be traveling by air where this type of test is accepted in the country of transit and final destination.

It is required to show the purchase of the airline ticket, which is essential to take the test, according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica.

8. What is the price of the COVID-19 PCR test?

The price is ¢55,120 tax included (children and adults).

Special price for Senior Citizens (over 65 years old) ¢38,584 including tax.

9. What is the price of the COVID-19 Antigen test?

The price is ¢30,000 including tax.

10. What is the price of the test for COVID-19 Antibodies?

¢18,720

11. Can I take the COVID-19 Antibody test to find out if I have the virus?

No, it is not possible. The COVID-19 Antibody test would indicate if you previously had the virus and not if you currently have it. It is necessary to take the COVID-19 PCR test to determine if you currently have COVID.

12. What is the ideal day to test for COVID19 when you have had contact with a person that tested positive?

The ideal time lapse is 5 to 7 days after contact with a positive test result. During this time it is important to abstain from contact with others (including your bubble) and not leave your home until confirmation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.

13. Can the sample be taken from the mouth or saliva?

On a regular and standardized basis, the COVID-19 test sample is taken from the nostrils.

In very particular cases it is performed with a swab through the mouth such as when the person has problems in the nostrils and the Otolaryngologist indicates that it cannot be done through the nose.

14. How is the test for children?

The method is the same for adults and children (any age), by swabbing the nostrils.

15. Where can I take the COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test for travelers and what are the testing business hours?

Our laboratory service is 24/7 at both locations, with or without an appointment. Make your appointment on our website www.clinicabiblica.com.

• San José Headquarters: 6th floor of the parking tower from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. At the Hospital Laboratory after 9:30 p.m.
• Santa Ana: 1st floor of the Clinic, in the Laboratory.

16. Where can I take the COVID-19 Antibody test and what are the testing business hours?

Our laboratory service is 24/7 at both locations, with or without an appointment. Make your appointment on our website www.clinicabiblica.com.

• San José Headquarters: 1st floor in the Hospital Laboratory.
• Santa Ana: 1st floor of the Clinic, in the Laboratory.

17. What is the Drive-through COVID Testing?

It is the service provided to people who wish to take the COVID-19 test from the comfort of their car or motorcycle. This can be done with or without an appointment. Make your appointment on our website www.clinicabiblica.com.

18. Where can I take the Drive-through COVID Test and what are the business hours?

The test can be performed at:

• San José Headquarters: 6th floor of the parking tower from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Please note that if your car is a minibus, the parking height is 2.30 meters.
• Santa Ana Campus: 3rd floor of the parking tower from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Please note that if your car is a minibus, the parking height is 2.25 meters.

19. Is it mandatory to make an appointment to take the COVID-19 test?

Appointments are not required. You will be tended to when you show up. You will need to take a number, so that you can take a seat while the people with appointments take the test. Once the appointment has been covered, you will be tended to.

20. Is there a difference between making an appointment or going directly without an appointment?

Yes, there is a difference. Walk-ins must wait while the people with appointments take the test.

21. Where do I go to after I have made my appointment?

At both locations, it is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes before the appointment to complete your personal information form.

If your appointment is at San José Headquarters and is between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., you must go to the 6th floor of the Parking Tower where the COVID-19 tests are conducted. This is also applicable for people with a Drive-thru appointment (Please note that if your car is a minibus, the parking height is 2.30 meters).

If your appointment is not within these business hours you should go to the Laboratory on the 1st Floor of the Hospital.

If your appointment is at the San Ana campus you should go to the Laboratory on the 1st Floor of the Clinic. If you have a Drive-thru test appointment you should go to the 3rd floor of the Parking Tower. Please note that if your car is a minibus, the parking height is 2.25 meters.

22. What information will be requested when I come in for the COVID-19 test?

Personal identification data, accurate current home address, contact information, e-mail and telephone numbers will be verified. The above are mandatory by traceability protocols established by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica.

23. Do I have to pay for the COVID-19 test before having it done?

Payment is due at the time of testing.

24. Once I have made my appointment on the website, do I have to call the Hospital for any further processing?

It is not necessary. You will receive an email with the confirmation of your appointment. All you have to do is show up for the test on the date and time you requested.

25. I wish to cancel or reschedule my appointment.

You must call 2522-1000 to make the necessary arrangements, the service is available 24/7.

26. What is the turnaround time for COVID-19 testing?

PCR COVID-19 tests: The turnaround time of the results is 36 hours. If the test is for surgery to be performed in the hospital, the turnaround time is a maximum of one day. Therefore, it is essential that you include the reason for performing your test in the comments when you are generating your appointment.

COVID-19 Antigen Tests for travelers: The turnaround time for results is 2 hours. Remember to show the airplane ticket purchased for the test. If not, the test cannot be performed according to the protocol established by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica.

COVID-19 Antibody Tests: Turnaround time for results is 2 hours.

27. Do you perform the rapid test?

It is not currently being performed in Costa Rica.

28. Can you deliver the COVID -19 test results on the same day?

• For the COVID-19 PCR test, the results CANNOT be delivered on the same day.
• For the COVID-19 Antigen test for travelers, test results are provided within two hours.
• For the COVID-19 Antibodies test, test results are provided within two hours.

29. How do you deliver COVID-19 test results?

The COVID-19 and COVID-19 Antibodies test results are sent to the email address provided before taking the test. It is not delivered via WhatsApp.

If it is for travel purposes and the destination country is requesting that the result must be stamped by the laboratory issuing the test results, you must personally pick it up and ask for it to be stamped at the Laboratory.

30. How do I know if I have COVID19 when I get the result?

When you receive the COVID-19 PCR test results, you should check if it indicates either of the following:

• DETECTED: means that you tested positive. In other words, you do have the COVID-19 virus.
• NOT DETECTED: means that it you tested negative, and therefore do not have the COVID-19 virus..