We invite you to remain calm when requesting any exam, but above all to know how the process is being carried out in the country in terms of tests, places, prices and delivery times.
During this quarantine, more than one person has thought about having COVID-19. The reason? Lightly feel some of the symptoms and analyze that it is due to the exposure that we or someone in our family has faced due to work issues. In the midst of this uncertainty we want to take the test no matter what to rule out all doubts. However, certain things must be taken into account such as:
- You must report to the hotlines 018000955590, and from cell phone 192, when various symptoms such as cough, fever, respiratory distress, among others, occur.
- By doing so, you enter a waiting list for a test, which can take several days.
- The EPS and EOC (Companies Obligated to Compensate) are in charge of the National Institute of Health (INS) to manage the entire process of taking, processing and delivering results.
- There are private or public laboratories, according to the IPS, that are authorized to perform the test for those who urgently need it and can pay for it. In Bogotá, for example, you must have an order from a general practitioner for it to be carried out.
- Some EPS have agreements with other laboratories and, depending on the person’s affiliation, there is some type of discount applicable. It is important First check if the laboratory where the test must be taken is authorized by the INS, as some are engaging in irregular practices by charging for an examination that is not authorized..
According to the Minister of Health, Fernando Ruíz, “we have two types of tests for diagnosis: PCR, also called molecular, which have high sensitivity, meaning that the vast majority of times they are correct in the diagnosis, and rapid tests. “, also known as serological. These have less sensitivity, but can be taken anywhere and the results are available in less than 20 minutes.”
PCR tests are performed in a procedure called nasopharyngeal swab. It consists of introducing a swab through a nostril to the wall of the pharynx for a few seconds to collect the sample, which is taken to a laboratory to analyze whether it has the genetic material of the virus. The result is delivered between 24 and 48 hours.
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They are the most accomplished. In the private laboratories of Bogotá, its price is $250,000 at home and $222,000 by appointment. In regions like Santander it costs $310,000, while in Antioquia it ranges between $130,000 and $150,000. The maximum delivery time is 48 hours.
For rapid tests, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG), you prick your finger to obtain a few drops of blood or by drawing a vein. Prices range from $40,000 to $130,000 and delivery results can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours.
There are places arranged by the mayors to carry out the test, depending on the capacity they have to do it. In the capital, for example, the four Integrated Health Subnetworks (North, Central East, South and Southwest) carry out free tests daily at different points in each town. To be able to get it done you must present several symptoms and queue very early, because they open from 8:30 am and distribute the appointments in order of arrival until the tests available daily are exhausted.
You can obtain information through the official channels of each mayor’s office, but if you need to do it more quickly, do not hesitate to consult the laboratories endorsed by the INS.