How to Get a COVID-19 Test in Medellin

No time to read? Unidad Medica Centrolab is the most convenient place to get a COVID test in Medellin.

For better or worse, COVID testing has become a common and necessary part of our lives, especially for travelers.

And, if you’re traveling to Medellin, it’s important to know where to get a COVID test. That way, you can get around the city and travel freely!

To help you out, I’ve put together a quick guide on COVID tests in the city. Here’s what you need to know in order to stay safe and healthy while traveling.

Covid Tests and Getting Around Medellin

If you’re currently in Colombia, there are two main reasons you might need to get a PCR or antigen test:

• To travel to another country that requires a negative test result to enter
• Because you’re concerned you may have COVID due to symptoms or exposure

Regarding travel to another country, you can visit Headout.com to check the testing requirements for whichever country you’re going to.

To enter the United States, even as a citizen or permanent resident, you must provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours of travel regardless of your vaccination status.

The accepted tests can be found on the CDC website and include both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests.

Where Can You Get a COVID Test in Medellin?

Unlike in the US and Europe, tests are unfortunately not available in Colombian pharmacies and drug stores. Instead, you have to get a test at a hospital or laboratory.

Luckily, these are widespread, and many offer drive-through testing or services where a technician will come to your hotel or Airbnb to perform the test.

Let’s take a look at some of the top testing locations around the city for all your COVID-19 needs in Medellin.

Unidad Médica Centrolab

I was unlucky enough to get COVID during my time in Medellín, but the symptoms were so mild that I requested an at-home test, or servicio a domicilio, to make sure it wasn’t allergies or the common cold. I took the test through Centrolab, and was very satisfied.

I contacted them through WhatsApp and was able to request the test through an automated system after which a live agent arranged and confirmed the test. I made the request in the morning, and the lab tech arrived at my Airbnb a few hours later. I received the unfortunately positive test result overnight.

Centrolab has several locations around Medellin, each of whose hours differ. See their website for details so that you can book a convenient appointment.

Prices and Services

Centrolab offers a couple of different services at pretty affordable prices. I’ve laid out the details in the table below.

PCR	Antigen	At-Home Supplement
COP $220,000	COP $110,000	COP $13,000
USD $58	USD $29	USD $4
24 hour results	Same-day results	Same-day results

Address: Cra 43DD #8–56 (CentroSthetic), Poblado, Medellin

Website: Unidad Médica Centrolab

Clinica Las Americas

Although Clínica Las Américas wasn’t my go-to for COVID testing, it’s still another great lab in Medellin. They have pretty regular opening hours, which makes them convenient for anyone who needs a test fast.

This institute has locations all around the city, which means that regardless of whether you’re staying in Laureles or Poblado, you should be able to get a COVID test.

Still, I’ll be honest. I found this location handy because they have a location in Laureles. If you’re staying in Casacol’s Factory Lofts (or another one of their Laureles properties), then this is a good testing site.

You should know that this lab isn’t the cheapest. However, they do a great job with their testing and provide fast results which makes them worth it.

Prices and Services

This clinic accepts credit card payments, which is great if, like me, you don’t tend to carry cash. Here are all the services they offer and how much each one costs.

PCR	Antigen	At-Home Supplement
COP $250,000	COP $80,000	FREE
USD $65	USD $21	FREE
24-36 hour results	4-hour results	Same-day results

Website: Laboratorio Medico Las Americas

Address: Dg. 75B #2A-80/140, Belen, Medellín

Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical

The third place where you can get a COVID test in the city is the Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical.

They offer both antigen and PCR tests, too. I love this because you can quickly take whichever test you need for travel.

In terms of results, they have a pretty good turnaround time for antigen tests. However, if you’ve got upcoming travel planned, make sure you leave enough time to get your results back.

Prices and Services

Just like the other clinics, this location accepts credit card payments. And, they offer a pretty quick turnaround time on their services.

PCR	Antigen	At-Home Supplement
COP $220,000	COP $100,000	COP $13,000
USD $58	USD $25	USD $4
Next-day results	3-hour results	Same-day results

Website: Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical

Address: Cra. 43A #52 Sur – 99, Sabaneta, Antioquia, Colombia

Stay Safe and Schedule a COVID-19 Test in Medellin

Even though we’d like COVID-19 to be a thing of the past, the truth is, it isn’t.

Part of staying safe while you travel around Medellin is getting COVID-19 tests. Luckily, with this guide, you’ve got all the details you need to do so.

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