Covid testing: What, where and how much for outpatient, drive-thru and home service

Until the government put a cap on the price of COVID-19 testing, some private hospitals and clinics were charging as much as P9,000 per test. Now, majority of them are charging P5,000 with results released from 1 to 3 days, and additional charges for home service.

There are two types of COVID tests available: a diagnostic test and an antibody test.  

A diagnostic test shows if you have an active coronavirus infection through a molecular test such as RT-PCR, which detects the virus’ genetic material, and an antigen test, which detects specific proteins from the virus. An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a specific virus.

According to the US FDA, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose COVID-19 because “antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery.”

Here is the updated 2021 list of DOH-accredited testing facilities around the country from the blog The Poor Traveler (because the DOH site can't be reached)..

And here are some of the major hospitals in Metro Manila offering outpatient, drive-thru and home testing. Some of them offer only RT-PCR while others offer antigen or rapid antibody as well, and only one offers all three tests.

Philippine Red Cross

How much: RT-PCR swab test, P3,800. RT-PCR saliva test, P2,000.

Results: It doesn’t say on the website, but people who have done the saliva test say it’s 24 hours.

Appointment: To book an appointment, choose a location and pay, click here.

Address: Red Cross has 13 molecular laboratories nationwide. To choose a location, click here. 

Perpetual Help Medical Center

How much: RT-PCR test, P3,500 outpatient; P4,500 drive-thru.

Results: 3 days for both.

Appointment: Email [email protected] with the subject “Request RT-PCR Schedule.” Or click here to download form.

Address:  University of Perpetual Help, Alabang Zapote Road, Pamplona III, Las Piñas.

Hi Precision Diagnostics

How much: RT-PCR test P3,700; P4,700 home service within Metro Manila.

Results: 2-3 days for both.

Appointment: Call 87417777 for your nearest branch or click here for online appointment.

Address:  Branches around Metro Manila and select provinces.

UP-PGH

How much: RT-PCR outpatient, P1,800; drive-thru, P3,800. No antibody or antigen testing.

If you’re getting a PCR test for domestic travel you can avail of the DOT-subsidized testing for P900. Register at www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel five days before your travel, with screenshots of your government-issued ID, roundtrip tickets (if applicable), and hotel reservations. If approved, you will receive an email from UP-PGH and log-in instructions to fill out the form on cif.pgh.gov.ph.

Results: 1-3 days.

Appointment: Visit their website here to register. 

Address: Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila.

Makati Medical Center

How much: RT-PCR outpatient and drive-thru, P5,000; home service 5,000 plus fees depending on your area. Antigen, P2,500 (no home service).

Results: RT-PCR, 2-3 days; antigen, 2-3 hours.

Appointment: Call 86517800. No walk-ins. Visit their website here.

Address:  2 Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati.

Cardinal Santos Medical Center

How much: RT-PCR, P3,700 until Jan. 31. (Prior to the promo it was P5,000.) Antigen, P2,000. Rapid antibody, P1,700; P1,600 if booked online. All outpatient, no drive-thru. Home service available with additional P1,500 plus zoning fee.

Results: PCR, 1 to 2 days; antigen, 2 to 4 hours; antibody, 2 hours.

Appointment: All first-come, first-served, but for rapid antibody you have the option to book online on their website to save P100.

Address: 10 Wilson St., Greenhills, San Juan. 

Asian Hospital

How much: RT-PCR outpatient and drive-thru, P5,000. Rapid antibody testing, P1,500. No antigen.

Results: RT-PCR, 1-3 days; rapid antibody, 24 hours.  

Appointment: Register on their website, click online services, and wait for their email.

Address: 2205 Civic Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa.

St. Luke’s Medical Center, BGC and Quezon City

How much: RT-PCR outpatient, P4,300; drive-thru, P5,000. No antibody or antigen tests.

Results: 1-2 days.

Appointment: Register and pay on their website.

Addresses: BGC—Rizal Drive cor. 32nd St. and, 5th Ave, Taguig. Quezon City—279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave, QC.

Manila Doctors Hospital

How much: RT-PCR outpatient and drive-thru, P5,000. Antigen, P1,500. Home service, for two P8,500; family of at least five members starts at P20,000. Home service prices are until Jan. 31.

Results: 1-2 days.

Appointment: First-come, first-served for outpatient and drive-thru.

Address: 667 United Nations Ave, Ermita, Manila. Visit their website here.

The Medical City

How much: RT-PCR outpatient and drive-thru, P5,000. Rapid antibody, P2,200. No antigen.

Results: PCR after 24 hours; antibody, within 24 hours.

Appointment: Call 89881000 for an appointment for PCR; for rapid antibody, it’s first-come, first-served.

Address: Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. Visit their website here.

Lung Center of the Philippines

How much: RT-PCR outpatient, P4,900. Rapid antibody, P2,000 to P3,000 depending on the doctor assessing you. No antigen.

Results: PCR and antibody, after 24 hours.

Appointment: Call 89246101 for an appointment for PCR.

Address: Quezon Avenue, Diliman, QC. Visit their website here.