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Choose collection locationMicrobiology & PCR · Individual laboratory test
COVID-19 PCR
This swab uses PCR to look for SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. The timing of the swab in relation to symptoms or recent infection affects its meaning.
Price for this test on its ownAED 250Test price AED 150
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 to 48 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the COVID-19 PCR test measure?
Also called SARS-CoV-2 PCR
A clinician may request molecular testing when symptoms or exposure make SARS-CoV-2 a possibility. Record when symptoms started and whether you recently tested positive.
When it may be requested
Checking for recent infection
PCR looks for genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 in a respiratory specimen.
Interpreting the timing
The date of exposure, symptoms or a previous positive test helps explain a result.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenNasopharyngeal Swab
Your checklist
There is no fasting requirement. Give the dates of symptom onset, exposure and recent positive tests, and follow the collection team's nasal-swab instructions.
A trained professional takes a sample from the nose using the swab specified for this test. You may briefly feel discomfort or watery eyes.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 to 48 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideCOVID-19 PCR
Reading your result
Detection means that viral genetic material was found at the sampled site. A negative result relates to that sample and time and may need reassessment if the illness evolves.
What can affect it
- PCR may remain positive after recovery and cannot, by itself, establish whether someone is infectious.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testCOVID-19 PCR
- Specimen
- Nasopharyngeal Swab
- Turnaround
- 24 to 48 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for COVID-19 PCR in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Tell the clinician about any prior positive PCR and the first day of this illness before using a result to explain current symptoms.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Can a positive PCR tell whether I am still contagious?
PCR can remain positive after the acute illness. The result alone cannot determine infectiousness or how severe the illness is.
What does a positive COVID-19 PCR result mean?
A Detected result means viral genetic material was present in the sample. It most often reflects a current infection, with or without symptoms, but it can also come from residual fragments after recovery. Your doctor reads it against when your symptoms began and the public-health guidance currently in force.
Why did I test positive again after I recovered?
PCR can detect leftover viral material for up to 90 days. Reinfection is also possible. If new symptoms start during this period, an antigen test is generally preferred to another PCR. Tell your clinician the date of your previous positive test.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
COVID-19 PCR Test
A gold-standard real-time RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 from a single nasal swab, with results in 24 hours.
- biomarker
- 1
- Samples
- Nasal Swab
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 150
Explore package
Cold & Flu Essential
A 10-target real-time PCR panel for the core cold and flu viruses (influenza A and B strains, RSV, parainfluenza and adenovirus) from a single nasal…
- Pathogens
- 10
- Samples
- Nasal Swab
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 299
Explore package
Cold & Flu Advanced
A 19-target respiratory PCR panel: everything in the Essential screen plus seasonal coronaviruses, rhinovirus, enterovirus, bocavirus, human…
- Pathogens
- 19
- Samples
- Nasal Swab
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 599
Explore package
Respiratory Viruses & Bacteria
Our most complete respiratory PCR screen: 27 targets covering 19 viruses plus 8 key respiratory bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae,…
- Pathogens
- 27
- Samples
- Nasal Swab
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 899
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Your next step
COVID-19 PCR test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.