Get your COVID-19 tests at Turó Park Medical Center in the heart of Barcelona!

Book COVID-19 tests here:

What are the different kinds of COVID-19 tests?

Antigen tests

The majority of rapid diagnostic tests that have been used during the pandemic have been antigen tests. They are taken with a nasal or throat swab and detect a protein that is part of the coronavirus. These tests are particularly useful for identifying a person who is at or near peak infection.

The principal benefits of antigen tests are that they are less expensive and the process faster. However, the downside is that they can be less accurate.

PCR tests

These are a type of molecular test that detect genetic material – the RNA – of the coronavirus. The sample is collected with a nasal or throat swab and the results are developed in a laboratory, which tends to take a few hours.

PCR tests generally require trained personnel, and therefore cost more. Good quality PCR tests are close to 100% accurate.

Antibody tests

These tests are different as they are not considered diagnostic tests, in other words they cannot determine if someone has an active COVID-19 infection. Rather, these tests use blood samples to show if a patient has antibodies present.

Antibodies are produced by a person’s immune system to help fight off COVID-19. Therefore, indicating if someone has had a COVID-19 infection in the past but not if they still are positive for the virus.

So, which Covid test should I get?

The test you need depends on why you're getting tested.

The 2 main tests are:

• PCR tests –for people with symptoms and sent to a lab to be checked. Often required in order to travel across borders, especially when taking an international flight.
• Rapid lateral flow tests – for people who do not have symptoms, they give a quick result without the need for authorized medical personnel.

If you continue to have questions, or would like to be advised on which test to get, consult our team of general practitioners and specialists.

Why should I get tested in the first place?

About 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have symptoms but can still infect others. This is why it is so important to get tested!

By not getting tested, you may be putting other people at risk. It is important that we consider the possibility of passing on infection, especially to those who fall in the vulnerable category.

Where can I get these tests?

At Turó Park Medical Center we provide all of the available tests to cater for all of your needs: whether you need a PCR test to travel, a negative test result for an event or some quick results delivered to your home or workplace.

Find more information here about our COVID-19 tests.