Covid-19 Testing

Covid-19 Testing



Ampath is dedicated to helping businesses get the economy back on track by offering rapid, seamless COVID-19 testing.

We have over 150 pathologists, >5500 staff members and depots located nationally that are committed to helping industry, mines, embassies, airlines, gyms, schools, hotels, sports teams and corporates get back to work ASAP.

Having your staff tested for COVID-19 need not be administratively taxing, nor inconvenient to your day-to-day operations.

Our streamlined process provides you with a one-stop solution to all your Occupational Health needs, and in particular, COVID-19 testing.

We provide both COVID-19 PCR and COVID-19 Antibody testing.

PCR tests for whether a person has the virus at the time of swab collection.

The Antibody test is a blood test and indicates whether someone has developed antibodies against the virus, which means that they have previously contracted the virus and their immune system produced antibodies in response to the infection.

Our COVID-19 Testing Process for Companies

PCR testing only:

  • Our laboratory provides COVID-19 PCR testing at R850 (Incl VAT) if we perform the collections of the swabs, and includes the cost of the PPE.
  • If the samples are collected by your staff, we will be able to provide the testing at a discounted rate - please confirm which scenario will be most convenient for you.
  • Your company can be registered as a consolidated client with a unique Ampath client code.
  • Upon registration you will receive an Ampath request form and the NICD PUI contact list that have to be completed with each sample collection.
  • We can also offer the option for electronic ordering, where staff will receive an eOrder number via SMS that they can present when visiting the COVID collection sites.
  • All staff tested using your unique code's invoices and results will go to a nominated person/s in your company.
  • Test results are available 24 - 48 hours after a sample is received in the laboratory.
  • Staff will be able to obtain their own results via our patient portal on our website
  • Accreditation - see Quality you can Trust

Options for Antibody Testing:

  • Ampath offers two options which incorporate antibody tests, both aimed at reducing the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace.
  • Option 1 for regular workplace settings: Initially screen all employees with COVID-19 antibody tests,(R230, Incl VAT), as a baseline. Employees with positive antibodies and without a previous, confirmed COVID-19 infection, should be tested by COVID-19 PCR. The cost is R850 (Incl VAT) if we perform the collections of the swabs, and includes the cost of the PPE. Continue to screen vulnerable employees without COVID-19 antibodies regularly (e.g. monthly) and manage outcomes as described above.
  • Option 2 for high risk occupational settings (e.g. aviation industry): Initial screening of all employees with COVID-19 antibody tests,(R230, Incl VAT), as a baseline. Employees with positive antibodies and without a previous, confirmed COVID-19 infection, should be tested by COVID-19 PCR, (R850, Incl VAT). In addition, employees with negative COVID-19 antibodies should be screened prior to high risk events by means of COVID-19 antibody tests as well as a COVID-19 PCR.
  • Please refer to our AmpathChat Newsletter for more information.
  • If the samples are collected by your staff, we will be able to provide the testing at a discounted rate - please confirm which scenario will be most convenient for you.
  • Your company can be registered as a consolidated client with a unique Ampath client code.
  • Upon registration you will receive an Ampath request form and the NICD PUI contact list that has to be completed by the individual with each sample collection.
  • We can also offer the option for electronic ordering, where your staff members will receive an eOrder number via SMS and/or email that they can present when visiting the COVID collection site, and then the NICD PUI form can be completed online.
  • All staff members tested using your unique code's invoices and results will go to a nominated person/s in your company.
  • PCR and Antibody Test results are available 24 - 48hours after a sample is received in the laboratory.
  • Staff members will be able to obtain their own results via our patient portal on our website
  • Note: Employees with a positive COVID-19 PCR should be isolated and managed as required by the DOH.
  • Accreditation - see Quality you can Trust

We have a vast national footprint in South Africa and offer designated COVID-19 sample collection sites nationally for the convenience of companies and travellers, as well as off-site COVID-19 sample collection for groups.

Click here to view our nationwide testing sites: https://www.ampath.co.za/covid-19-collection-sites

COVID-19 infections are expected to continue in South Africa and in most other countries globally for many months to come. With the relaxation of lock-down levels in South Africa and the opening of international travel in some countries, with others to follow, a surge in COVID-19 infections is likely to be seen worldwide unless every precaution is taken to prevent transmission by travellers.

The testing of international travellers for COVID-19 prior to their departure will become necessary to prevent travellers from carrying the virus to their destinations. This will include those leaving South Africa as well as people flying into the country or those in transit to other countries.

We also offer repatriation and quarantine COVID-19 testing for incoming travellers who have not had a COVID-19 test prior to their arrival in South Africa.

If South Africa does have a second COVID-19 surge, this would result in increased community infection rates, potentially affecting your staff wellness and business viability.

If your staff members live in a community with high prevalence and infection rates of COVID19, it is important to test your staff regularly so as to prevent cluster outbreaks within your business.

Please visit our COVID-19 travellers resource page for more information.

Our laboratories are certified by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), and our services comply with all relevant ISO specifications. All laboratories that perform SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests are ISO 15189:2012 accredited.

Ampath offers testing for COVID-19 by means of a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, which is a highly accurate test that detects the genetic material of the virus. SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests in use within Ampath are CE-IVD marked and/or EUA FDA approved and have been validated internally to meet our requirements for acceptable test performance.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests are performed on laboratory analyzers using assays that are SAHPRA approved, CE-IVD marked or EUA FDA approved and validated in our own ISO 15189:2012 accredited Immunology laboratory.

Our dedicated Occupational Health Department can assist with any other OH related tests including Pre-employment, biological monitoring, effect monitoring and chain of custody drug confirmation, to name a few.

Please contact us should you be interested in utilising our laboratory sample collection and testing services.

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