Globally, everything shifted significantly with the Coronavirus pandemic, and while much has evolved by April 2025, the need for accurate COVID-19 testing persists. Requirements for travel and ensuring health safety mean that reliable COVID-19 PCR testing remains a necessary service in Nigeria.
Travel protocols, in particular, often still require specific COVID-19 test results. Generally, while widespread public testing levels may have changed since the pandemic’s peak, obtaining a COVID-19 test is still necessary for many situations, and new cases continue to be monitored.
If you need a COVID-19 PCR test specifically for travel, it must be performed by a laboratory officially approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Results from non-approved labs for your COVID-19 test will likely be rejected by airlines and border authorities.
Why You May Need COVID-19 PCR Testing
The nasal swab, a key component of COVID-19 PCR testing, is now a familiar procedure. As of April 2025, reasons for needing a COVID-19 test (like a PCR test or other types) may include;
- Experiencing potential COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, etc.).
- Recent exposure to an individual confirmed to have COVID-19.
- Meeting pre-departure or arrival COVID-19 test requirements for international or sometimes domestic travel.
- Fulfilling workplace, school, or event screening protocols requiring a recent coronavirus test.
List of Some Approved Laboratories for COVID Testing
If you require a COVID-19 test, especially the highly accurate COVID-19 PCR testing, selecting the right facility is vital. Here is a list of NCDC-approved private laboratories in Nigeria equipped to assist with your COVID-19 test needs:
1. Arrive Alive Diagnostics & Imaging Services (AADIS)
AADIS has a dedicated diagnostic center specifically for COVID-19 testing. Their advanced equipment enables rapid turnaround times for COVID-19 PCR test results. AADIS is a trusted partner lab for HealthTracka’s COVID-19 test services.
2. DNA Laboratories
As the first private lab approved by NCDC for COVID-19 testing in Nigeria, DNA Laboratories offers reliable COVID-19 PCR testing with locations in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Port-Harcourt, and Abuja.
3. Vcare Diagnostics
A Lagos State accredited and NCDC-approved lab for COVID testing. They offer convenient drive-through sample collection facilities at Victoria Island (VI) and Ikeja for your COVID-19 test. Vcare Diagnostics is one of the labs that HealthTracka partners with.
4. Afriglobal Medicare
Afriglobal Medicare provides NCDC-approved COVID-19 PCR testing at centers in Lagos (Ikeja, Victoria Island, Ikorodu). Each center is equipped with state-of-the-art lab technology. Afriglobal also works with HealthTracka.
5. Mecure Healthcare Limited
Mecure Healthcare Limited offers dedicated COVID-19 testing facilities at its Oshodi and Lekki branches in Lagos. They are known for potentially providing COVID-19 test results within the same day.
6. Lifecenter Medical Diagnostics
Lifecenter Medical Diagnostics utilizes advanced technology for dependable COVID-19 tests. Their government-approved facility is well-equipped for accurate COVID-19 PCR testing.
7. Harley and Rainbow Specialized Laboratories
Harley and Rainbow Laboratories is NCDC-approved to offer specialized laboratory services, including COVID-19 tests (like PCR tests) to the public, particularly catering to travelers needing quick and reliable results.
8. The Specialist Laboratories
The Specialist Laboratories promotes itself as providing one of the quickest turnaround times in Nigeria for COVID-19 PCR Testing. They offer sample collection and COVID-19 testing at dedicated centers.
9. Medbury Services Limited
Medbury Services Limited focuses on providing COVID-19 tests for specific sectors like oil and gas contractors and international travellers. They operate five COVID testing centers across Nigeria.
10. Clina Lancet
Clina Lancet is a major accredited laboratory network in Nigeria and 14 other African countries. They guarantee COVID-19 test results within 24-48 hours after sample collection for their PCR testing services.
The Importance of Timing
Beyond using an approved lab for your COVID-19 PCR testing, timing is critical, especially for travel.
As of April 2025, many regulations still require a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within a specific timeframe, often 48 or 72 hours before departure.
Always confirm the exact window and destination required by your airline when booking your coronavirus test.
Turnaround times for COVID-19 PCR test results vary between these laboratories. Some offer same-day results, while others guarantee results within 24-48 hours. Factor this processing time into your planning when scheduling your COVID-19 test.
A Better Choice
HealthTracka simplifies the process of getting your necessary COVID-19 test. We partner exclusively with NCDC-approved laboratories like those listed above to ensure the validity and acceptance of your COVID-19 PCR testing results.
If you need a reliable COVID-19 test for travel, work, or peace of mind, conveniently book an at-home sample collection with us here. Receive your accurate COVID-19 PCR test results quickly, often the same day, directly via email.
