With the arrival of the coronavirus in our lives, the tests covid they have become too common for detection. But although there are specialized laboratories that perform them for onerous prices, there are also spaces that offer this type of service at a lower price.
Before moving on to them, it is first important to know that although PCR is the most popular, there is also antigen. Which can be nasopharyngeal, nasal or saliva.
Types of COVID tests
1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): This type of test, also called a molecular or viral test, is done using a nose swab or mouth. The test detects a part of the genetic material of the virus. Currently, it is considered the best test to determine if a person has recently been infected with the virus. But this type of test can continue to give positive results long after a person is no longer contagious and is not at risk of spreading the virus.
2. Blood tests and serological or antibody tests: These tests are performed using a blood sample and detect the antibodies that the body produces to fight the virus. These tests are best suited to determine if the person has been exposed to the virus in the past. But they are NOT recommended to indicate if the person is currently infected.
3. Antigen tests: These tests are performed by means of a nose swab. Instead of detecting the genetic material of the virus. They detect a protein present in it. They are usually available as “rapid” tests that can be done in a doctor’s office. The speed with which results are obtained makes these tests very useful.
In this sense, in Mexico the private laboratories that have the cheapest COVID tests are:
Dignified Health
SERVICES AND COSTS
- Real Time PCR Diagnostic Test: $950
- COVID-19 Antigen Test: $260
- AntiSARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) Quantitative Antibody Test: $245
Clinical Analysis of Dr. Simi
SERVICES AND COSTS
- Ómicron SARS-CoV-2 variant detection test: $999
- Covid-19 IgG test: $799
COVID-19 IgG and IgM rapid test: $399 - covid-19 AUTOEXPRESS test (Rapid covid-19 antigen test in nasopharyngeal sample): $299
- Rapid covid-19 antigen test in nasopharyngeal sample: $649
- Covid-19 test by PCR: $1,999.00
- SARS-CoV-2 variant detection test: $4,884.00
Saint Paul Pharmacy
SERVICES AND COSTS
- PANBIO COVID19 AG TEST
(Rapid Antigen Test) - PANBIO COVID19 IGG/IGM TEST
(Rapid Antibody Test) - PANBIO COVID19 AG NASAL TEST
(Rapid Antigen Test)
Cost: $338.00 MXN each
POPLAR Laboratories
SERVICES AND COSTS
- SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) ANTIGEN TEST: $599
- COVID-19 DETECTION BY PCR: $1998
- TOTAL ANTIBODIES ANTI-SARS-COV-2 POST VACCINE: $698
The result of a test depends on obtaining the largest amount of viral proteins in a single shot. Given this, a nasopharyngeal sample is usually ideal. Even so, in some populations this sample turns out to be very uncomfortable and a bit invasive, especially when it comes to cases in which this test must be performed frequently.
And you, know other laboratories?
Related Notes: