The tests for COVID-19 are carried out through our partner City Lab, in Sofia and in Varna. The City Lab SMDL laboratory is certified for PCR COVID-19 test by the National Center for Sectors and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), Ministry of Health in the Republic of Bulgaria and is included in the list of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria for issuing licensed certificates for travel and work abroad.
Tests for COVID-19 are aimed at patients who want to be tested prophylactically or have symptoms.
Pre-booking is essential. Once you have made sure which test you need, you should book an appointment.
We offer departure tests including PCR plus arrivals tests for travellers arriving into Bulgaria.
International Arrivals tests and Test to Release.
We aim to deliver your PCR test results by 4pm the same day.
Antigen test results are normally delivered within one hour.
The service includes
The PCR test is a “reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction”. The sample is taken by inserting a cotton swab into the patient’s nose and taking a secretion from the upper throat.
Common tests from the World Health Organization (WHO) use this method.
Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2
Antigen tests measure the presence or absence of the viral proteins (antigens) themselves, most commonly the abundant nucleocapsid protein. The preferred sample type is again nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs. Like with nucleic acid-based tests, there is hope that saliva or mouthwash will provide a viable alternative, but at present this appears less accurate.
The rapid test is for testing for IgM antibodies (an indicator of active infection) and IgG (an indicator of past infection, immunity). Antibodies are proteins in the human blood that are activated in response to a disease, whether bacterial – pneumonia, or viral – such as the flu. A blood sample is taken from the patient.
Antibody tests, also known as serological tests, show whether a person has had a particular disease. This usually occurs a few days after a person has become infected, whether or not they have symptoms of the disease. A blood sample is taken from the patient.
The Sars-Cov-2 (COVID-19) test can also be performed at home, after requesting a home visit by phone +359 89 453 1553.
We aim to deliver PCR test results by 4pm the same day*
Pricing for COVID-19 tests
You can contact the laboratory directly on tel. 0700 20 116 or on our phone/Viber/Whatsapp +359 89 453 1553.
The Test order form can be downloaded and completed in advance.
Be responsible for your health!
Here are three additional links that we think would be helpful to any resident of Bulgaria who is interested in getting tested for Covid 19 or planning on traveling outside the country.
Ministry of Health https://www.mh.government.bg/en/
Re-open EU https://reopen.europa.eu/en
Ministry of Foregin Affairs Bulgaria – How to travel page https://www.mfa.bg/en/