Testing Centres & Locations

Testing centres

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and with a view to supporting the prevention and management of Covid-19, Beluga Medical Solutions in conjunction with our in-house pathology laboratory offers PCR and Rapid COVID-19 diagnostic testing through testing centres in Cape Town.

We have an excellent record of assisting customers, doctors and other professionals to manage disease and improve healthcare and we work around the clock to ensure swift delivery of results to our clientele.

R850

PCR Test

Results available within 24 hours. The PCR test is the most accurate and reliable test for diagnosing COVID-19 and is considered the “gold standard”.

Most international travel will require a PCR report or ‘COVID travel certificate’. You will receive an SMS with your result and we will email your report, which can be printed and presented on departure.

Please check with your airline or embassy for requirements regarding the timing of your COVID-19 test for travel purposes.

R350

Antigen Test

Antigen test results are available in 20 minutes but expect to wait a few hours for your report to be issued.

An antigen test reveals a current COVID-19 infection and provides results much faster than a PCR test. It is also known as a rapid diagnostic test. An antigen test is taken using a nasal swab. It detects specific proteins on the surface of the virus.

Please check with your airline or embassy for requirements regarding the timing of your COVID-19 test for travel purposes.

FAQ’s

Can I claim for the test from medical aid?

Most medical aids will cover the cost of a PCR test, if you have a referral letter from your GP. Our pathology laboratory will provide an invoice from our lab with your Doctors details on it. Medical aids will usually not cover the costs of testing for travel purposes.

Are travel certificates available?

We send a stamped and signed Travel Certificate in PDF format, certified by the lab.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

When do symptoms start to appear?

The average time for symptoms of COVID-19 to develop is five to six days, but it can take up to 14 days for people to show symptoms.

When should I test for COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever. However, these are also symptoms of the flu. The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) recommends that you should only get tested if you display symptoms plus:

  • Been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 person;
  • Travelled to a high risk country;
  • Worked in or been to a healthcare facility treating people with Covid-19;
  • Have a severe case of pneumonia with an unknown cause.

However, one should consult your medical practitioner immediately if you display symptoms

What do I do if I test positive?

Anyone who tests positive will immediately be notified and put into isolation at home or at a facility designated to manage the outbreak. You will then remain in isolation until repeat testing shows you no longer have the virus.

Travel certificates

If you are travelling abroad, you will be required to produce a negative PCR COVID-19 test before departure and on arrival in your destination country.

Each country has their own set of COVID-19 compliance rules for entry so kindly ensure that you check your COVID-19 entry requirements with your travel agency and/or airline before booking a testing appointment.

To help you please visit  IATA Travel Centre Interactive Travel Regulations Map

Test Result Times

We provide our PCR COVID-19 test results within 24 hours of the test swab reaching our lab. Please ensure that you make your testing appointment timeously.  In addition to the test processing time, you need to ensure that you get a satisfactory appointment date and time.

All of our PCR COVID-19 tests are processed through our officially registered and ISO9001:2015 certified advanced molecular genetics laboratory .

PCR results SAME DAY if you test before 12:00 midday,

otherwise within 36 hours of testing

View Testing Centres