RT-PCR stands for ‘reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction’. With this test viral RNA is turned into DNA by reverse transcription, with specific DNA targets being amplified by polymerase enzymes. This process is sometimes called real-time RT-PCR, because the PCR reaction is measuring the amplification of (corona) virus genes in real time. Meaning it can only detect the virus if the virus (in this case the SARS-CoV-2 RNA) is present at that specific time.
By using a swab, we reach deep inside of a person’s throat and nasal cavity (nasopharyngeal swab) and extract a sample. This sample is then tested for some of COVID’s identifiable genes.
You might need a PCR test for various reasons, such as for work or for your own sense of security, or your physician can request a test based on medical indications. But the most prevalent reason people come in to us for COVID PCR testing is for travel. It’s important for you to check with your airline or on the website of the specific country that you’re visiting, to ensure that you are aware of their terms and conditions. At date, most countries require evidence of a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test with results indicating ‘COVID-19 not detected’ taken up to 72 hours prior to arrival in that country.
We conduct the COVID-19 PCR test from Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 3:00pm at our MLS Perseusweg laboratory, which is our dedicated location for COVID-19 PCR testing.
The cost for the COVID-19 PCR test is $ 90 (f 159,-).
Payment can be made either by debit card or all major credit cards.
Although we do allow walk-ins, we strongly recommend booking an appointment, filling in your details, and uploading the necessary documents below so we can process your details in advance. All you’ll have to do on the day is bring your valid photo ID and pay, before having your test done. You’ll be in and out before you know it!
We need the following details and documents. You will be able to fill in all the details below and upload the required documents:
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address (where you’d like to receive your test results
- Valid photo ID (such as a passport)
- Travel itinerary/ date and time of travel and final destination
If the PCR test was done before 12pm noon, test results will be emailed out the same day the test was conducted, by the end of the day. Otherwise, results are emailed within 24 hours.
Should you have any further questions or require additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at:
Phone: + 5999 736-8455
Email: covid@mlscuracao.com
FB messenger: www.facebook.com/mlscuracao

Common Lab Tests
At MLS we carry out a vast number of tests every day, but there are some that are requested more frequently. If you want to browse our list of most common lab tests, click on the link below.
All MLS Lab Tests
Our analysts and laboratory scientists conduct tests in hematology, microbiology, infection serology, special chemistry, and many more areas. For a complete list of the tests we carry out, click on the link below.