The Cost of COVID-19 Test In Nigeria

Since the onslaught of the novel COVID-19 virus that started in the Wuhan region of China, the world has had to adjust to the new global realities. Economies have shrunk, markets have depleted, and global travel has decreased significantly. In the same vein, governments and cities around the world have adapted themselves to survive with the new realities of today.

One of the ways that governments have tried to adapt to the new normal and to protect their countries and cities is by requiring a COVID-19 test for foreign nationals who want to visit their jurisdiction. If you are on this post, chances are that you need a COVID-19 test, and you want to know how much it costs. In that vein, we are going to talk all about the cost of COVID-19 tests in Nigeria in this post, but before we do that, let’s take a look at some of the reasons you may need a COVID-19 test.

Why You May Need a COVID-19 Test

Some people make the mistake of assuming that COVID-19 tests are only necessary for people that are already showing symptoms, but there are a plethora of other reasons you may need COVID-19 tests. Here are some of the top reasons people take a COVID-19 test.

To Protect Yourself and Your Family

As the world continues to open up more and more, it is imperative that you take the initiative of testing yourself and your family from time to time to know your status and stay safe. You don’t need to wait until your family shows symptoms before you take the test. Taking the test from time to time will help keep you abreast of your status so that you can quickly take measures to treat yourself and your loved ones.

For Travel

Another reason you might need a COVID-19 test is if you are travelling to another country. Most countries around the world require a COVID-19 test for all foreign nationals that are entering their country. As a result, most airports will require you to present a COVID-19 test result when you land or even before you embark on the plane. Different countries have different COVID-19 regulations, so make sure that you check the regulations of the country that you are visiting.

Because of Workplace Safety

Some workplaces require a COVID-19 test for staff members that are returning to the workplace or new staff members joining the team. So, your organization may require you to take COVID-19 tests from time to time.

If you are the Human Resources Executive at your workplace, please consider recurrent covid-19 tests for your staff members to keep your workplace safe.

If You Are Showing Symptoms

Are you showing the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus? You should quickly take a COVID-19 test to find out your COVID-19 status. Testing early will help boost your chances of recovering from the virus, so make sure that you test early.

Different COVID-19 Test In Nigeria

So you want to know the cost of the COVID-19 test in Nigeria, but do you know that there are different COVID-19 tests and that they have different uses and purposes? Here are the most popular types of COVID-19 tests and what they are useful for:

• RT-PCR Testing
• Antigen Test
• Test for Antibody

RT-PCR Test

An RT-PCR test is usually conducted using samples taken from a person’s mouth, throat, or even both. 

The RT-PCR test works by identifying two COVID-19 genes in the sample submitted for examination. The test is usually accurate if both COVID genes are tested; testing just one may lead to an inaccurate test result. The RT-PCR test is the most reliable for checking if the COVID-19 virus has infected someone currently.

Antigen Tests

An antigen test is a rapid test that makes use of a viral protein to trigger an immune response. The test provides a fast way of identifying antigens in the body to confirm current COVID-19 infections in an individual. The samples needed for an antigen test are usually taken from the mouth and throat, and the results are quick. 

However, because of many cases of inaccuracy with antigen tests, many organizations are abandoning them in favour of the RT-PCR test.

Antibodies Test

Antibody tests, unlike the first two tests, are not typically used to detect a current COVID-19 infection. We mostly carried them out on people that have recovered from the virus, and the test confirms if it has ever infected the person with the virus. In effect, the test detects antibodies that the body has developed to fight the virus, and it sometimes helps research to find a cure or vaccine for viral diseases. We need a blood sample for an antibody test, and the test takes about 3 days to complete.

How much does the COVID-19 test cost in Nigeria?

The cost of the COVID-19 test in Nigeria varies from state to state, depending on the number of laboratories and the demand for COVID-19 tests in the state. At the time of writing this, here’s how many laboratories across some cities typically charge:

How Much Does a COVID-19 Test Cost in Lagos?

COVID-19 test in Lagos costs 45,250 Naira. The price, you will typically find uniformity in how labs charge across the state.

How Much Does a COVID-19 Test Cost in Abuja?

COVID-19 tests in Abuja will cost you from 39,000 to 42,509 Naira. Like Lagos, the cost of the Covid-19 test is also uniform across different test labs.

How Much Does a COVID-19 Test Cost in Port-Harcourt?

COVID-19 tests in Port-Harcourt typically range from 39,000 to 42,509 Naira.

You can get hold of a COVID-19 test in most cities across Nigeria.

Where To Get Tested in Nigeria

Now that you know the cost of the COVID-19 test in Nigeria, the next question that needs to be answered is where to get tested for COVID-19 in Nigeria.

While there are many laboratories, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited, you must properly research a laboratory before patronizing them for a COVID-19 test. Under-the-counter tests just for visas and passports can ultimately backfire and ruin your chances of traveling, never mind put your health at risk. 

If you are in Lagos and Port Harcourt, consider running your COVID-19 PCR test at Medbury Laboratories. We have a state-of-the-art testing facility where we have helped thousands of Nigerians run their COVID-19 tests with a 0% incidence rate.

Conclusion

The cost of a COVID-19 test in Nigeria is currently pegged at the industry standard of 45,250 Naira. But before you take your test, do you know the different types of tests available? Do you know which ones are more acceptable around the world? Do you know where to get tested in Nigeria? This post has helped you answer all the necessary questions you may have.

Ready to do your COVID-19 tests in Nigeria? Click here to book an appointment with our laboratory! We are the best-in-class medical laboratory for COVID-19 tests in Lagos and Port-Harcourt.