Laborator Malsia in Koplik is offering a PCR COVID-19 test for 1000 ALL (EUR 8) for those travelling to Montenegro or beyond.
An image of the test result was published in a large Facebook group, advising people of the price (700 ALL), where it could be done, and what it could be used for. They said the test and result was ready in 10 minutes.
Exit called the number on the test result and was told that the test could be done for 1000 lek and would be ready within 10 minutes.
Currently there is no test that gives a result in 10 minutes. As of 21 September, a 10-minute COVID-19 test was being trialled in Germany and Austria but it has not been rolled out in Albania. Furthermore, if someone tests positive following this test, they would still be required to have a PCR.
This week, a COVID-19 test that gives results in 15 minutes was cleared in the EU but it’s not being used yet, and is not available in Albania.
PCR tests in Tirana cost between EUR 100 and EUR 120 and take between 24 and 48 hours for the results. The serological test costs around EUR 30 and takes between an hour and 24 hours for results. There are no labs in the region charging as little as EUR 8 for a PCR test and offering results in 10 minutes.
It seems that Laborator Malsia is linked to Genius Labs which is one of the three private labs authorised to carry out PCR tests. This does not explain the price or the timeframe of their offering.
Exit tried to contact Genius Labs for comment but they did not answer the phone.
