Frequently asked questions about Covid-19 screening tests
Below we put at your disposal the most frequently asked questions that will help you to evacuate all your doubts when taking the 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.
- 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.
- San José Headquarters: 1st floor in the Hospital Laboratory.
- Santa Ana: 1st floor of the Clinic, in the Laboratory.
17. 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.
18. Do I have to pay for the COVID-19 test before having it done?
Payment is due at the time of testing.
19. 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.
20. Do you perform the rapid test?
It is not currently being performed in Costa Rica.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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..
Information for patients
Insurance and forms of payment in case of outpatient services, hospitalization and surgery
All payments for outpatient services, hospitalization and surgery must first be verified through the account statement in the Patient Management and Formalization Department and subsequently canceled in the box provided for these purposes in the same department.
Contact us
A private hospital in Costa Rica, the Clínica Bíblica Hospital offers more information or you can make an appointment for any of the medical specialties with the best doctors in Costa Rica. Call us at: 2522-1000, write to us by e-mail at servicios@clinicabiblica.com or chat with us 24/7 on our website and on our social networks.
Follow us