There are many places where Covid testing is available in Andalucia |
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Coronavirus tests on Costa del Sol
Page last updated 24-10-2022.
Self-testing tests for SARS-CoV-2 are available in pharmacies and can be purchased without prescription.
The test should always be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The performance of the self-test depends on the type of sample and the correct execution of the procedure including correct sample collection.
The pharmacie tests can not used to obtain the EU digital COVID certificate. If you wish to carry out a test that proves negative results in order to obtain the certificate, you must go to a private testing centre or laboratory that can issue a certificate.
If you are looking for a coronavirus certified test in Marbella, Malaga, Estepona, Fuengirola, Mijas, Benalmadena, Torremolinos or Nerja on the Costa del Sol perhaps for travelling to another country. Here is some information to help.
TYPES OF TEST Available - Summary
New Antigen Test
Results in 2hrs. Detect as early as 2 days after contact. Typical price 60€
PCR standard test
Results in 24 hours. Detect early in the disease. Typical price 160€
PCR ultra-fast test
Results in 4hrs. Detect early in the disease. Typical price 250€
Rapid antibody test
Results same day. Antibodies take at least 7 days from infection. Useful to find out if you’ve had the disease in the past. Typical price 60€
ELISA antibody test
Results same day. Antibodies take at least 7 days from infection. Useful to find out if you’ve had the disease in the past. Typical price 95€
TYPES OF TEST - Background
Antigen Test (test de Antígeno)
This is the test that detects the actual SARS-CoV-2 from Antigen. This is the most popular. The sample is taken from a cotton bud in the nose and mouth. it detects proteins called antigens on the surface of the virus not its genetic material.
PCR Test (test de PCR)
Los conocidos como PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa) amplify the DNA of the virus in order to detect it. The results indicate if the virus is present in the body or not. The sample is taken from a cotton bud in the nose and mouth. This test is the most reliable and can only be undertaken by qualified personnel in laboratory conditions. Results can be known in four hours.
Antibody test (test de anticuerpos)
Antibody test is a serological test which detects the bodies immune response system against the virus. Antibody tests are carried out by means of a blood test, usually pin prick on the thumb. There are two types of immunoglobulin detected:
IgM. This detects the immune system responding to an acute phase of infection while it is attacking the virus present in the body.
IgG. This detects the antibodies that are still present in the bloodstream even when the infection is gone.
There is a 'rapid antibody tests' which has a positive / negative margin of error of 30% and it does not quantify or specify what type of immunoglobulin is found i.e. G or M. There is also the 'Elisa Technique' (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) which offers a greater reliability and specifies the type of immunoglobulin studied.
Private Clinics and hospitals
Almost all of the private clinics and private hospitals on the Costa del Sol will carry out Coronavirus tests.
There are a number of privately operated health clinics in Torremolinos for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service.
There are a number of privately operated health clinics in Benalmadena for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service.
There are a number of privately operated health clinics in Fuengirola for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service.
There are a number of privately operated heath clinics in Marbella for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service. The state run facility is called the '… More →
There are a number of privately operated heath clinics in Estepona for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service. The state run facility is called the '… More →
There are a number of privately operated health clinics in Mijas for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service.
There are a number of privately operated health clinics in Mijas for patients to go without referal as an alternative to the state health service.
Testing at Malaga airport
Testing is also available at Malaga Airport. PCR test with results in 12 hrs cost 58,68€. Rapid Antigen Test with results in 15-20 minutes cost 24,45€. Rapid Antibody Test with results in 15-20 minutes cost 29,34€. Tests must be booked online at travelcovidtestcenter.com/malaga/ and at times appointments are not available for several weeks, so book early!
Since the 1 January 2022, and below the brand 'Fly COVID Test Center' in the airports of Madrid T4 and T2, Málaga, Sevilla, Jerez, Barcelona, Tenerife Sur, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Covid (and HIV and ETS) testing is available. More info on the website www.flycovidtestcenter.com
The analysis service for Covid19 detection at the airports of Madrid, Malaga, Seville and Jerez under the name TRAVEL COVID TEST CENTER, was provided up to 31st December 2021 by the Joint Venture (“UTE”) companies RECOLETAS-ARQUIMEA-LABGENETICS-GTT under a public contract awarded by AENA which expired on 31st December 2021. The UTE RECOLETAS-ARQUIMEA-LABGENETICS-GTT has been ceased the service on that date.