Swab test for COVID-19 in Italy

Need a swab test to travel from Italy? Find and book an appointment at a testing location near you in a minute

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Swab test in Italy

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More than 250 testing locations throughout Italy. Free booking

€55 for a PCR / molecular swab test nationwide*


*using our referral code

PCR / molecular swab test

  • The most accurate
  • Results time 24-48h
  • Often required for travel

COVID rapid test

  • Widely available
  • Same-day results
  • Not always accepted for travel

Same-day appointments are not available. Most labs are closed on Sunday.

Lifebrain is a third-party network of labs and is solely responsible for confirmation of appointments, collecting samples, processing results and turnaround times.

Show this coupon at the lab to get the best price

The referral coupon guarantees:

  • Results in English compliant with travel requirements
  • €55 for PCR test, €22 for the rapid test
  • Only accepted at the labs listed in this page

How to get a swab test for travel

swab test booking

Book your Covid swab test

Find a lab in the list below. If a link "book online" is available, use it to set an appointment, or call/email the lab.

swab test covid coupon

Save the referral code coupon

Save a copy of the referral code coupon on your phone to benefit from the discounted fees. Remember to show it the day of the test.

At the lab

Once at the testing site show the DoctorsinItaly referral code coupon. Pay the discounted fee and get your swab test done.

Get your COVID-19 test results online

Within 48 hours* you'll be able to download your results from a secure website provided by the lab, using the codes handed to you at the testing site.
*Average turnaround time is 24-48 hours, but delays can occur

Use the referral code coupon to get the best price

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Vedi il ginecologo online

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Benefit from our agreed upon fees at more than 250 labs throughout Italy, in partnership with Lifebrain.

Use our referral code to get a PCR swab test at €55** or a rapid test at €22.

Show the referral code to the lab at checkout to get the reduced fee.

**COVID-19 test price can reach 110 euros without the referral discount!

Where to get a swab test for travel in Italy

Here are only some of the Lifebrain locations where you can get tested for COVID-19. 

Make sure to save our referral coupon to pay less and receive your results in English*. 

*Average turnaround time is 24-48 hours, but delays can occur

Some of the available testing sites

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Alessandria?

Labo Alessandria – La Casa Della Salute
Via Bonardi, 25, 15121 Alessandria (AL) 
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0109 64183
Email: covid19.piemonte@lifebrain.it

 

 

Laboratorio Analisi Prosalute
Via Salvo D’Acquisto, 108, 15011 Acqui Terme (AL)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0144 57856

Book online

 

Laboratorio Analisi Labo
Via Giosuè Carducci, 13, 15076 Ovada (AL)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 
0143 1434154

Book online

 

Centro Prelievi Cosmolab Tortona
Corso Repubblica, 34, 15057 Tortona (AL)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 
013 1867035

Book online

 

Centro Prelievi Cosmolab Valenza
Via Del Castagnone 28/A, 15048 Valenza (AL)
Only Tuesday and Saturday
Phone: +39 0131/920706
Email: covid19.piemonte@lifebrain.it

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test on the Amalfi Coast?

Lamberti Minori
Via Maggiore Garofalo 14, 84010 Minori (SA)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0898 541521
Email: laboratorio.lamberti@lifebrain.it

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Arezzo?

LB Toscana
Via Molinara, 33, 52100 Arezzo (AR)
Only Monday to Friday
Phone: +39 0575 1485219

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Brescia?

STEM LB LOMBARDIA
Via Rodi, 49, 25124 Brescia (BS)
Open on Saturday and Sunday
Phone: +39 0302 425431

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Cinque Terre?

Farmacia Zoppi
Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 106/108, 19015 Levanto (SP)
Open from Monday to Saturday (From June 1st to September 30th open everyday)
Phone: +39 018 7808672 / +39 345 318 5755
Email: farmacia.zoppi@virgilio.it

Note: our coupon is not accepted at this pharmacy. Appointment is recommended. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Florence?

Poliambulatorio UMA
Viale Mazzini, 16, 50132 Firenze (FI)
Only Monday to Friday
Phone: +39 0552 42642
Email: laboratoriouma@lifebrain.it

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Genoa?

Centro Prelievi Analyst Custo
Via Giovanni Battista Custo, 14R, 16162 Genova (GE)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0107 455198
Email: covid19.liguria@lifebrain.it

 

Laboratorio Analyst
Via Pieve Di Cadore, 12/Br, 16164 Genova (GE)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0107 856908
Email: covid19.liguria@lifebrain.it

 

BIOTEST GENOVA

Via Maragliano 3/1, 16121 Genova (GE)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0105 87088
Email: covid19.liguria@lifebrain.it

 

EMOLAB – Multiple locations

Via Monte Zovetto, 9/2, 16145 Genova (GE)
Via G.B. Monti, 109 R, 16151 Genova (GE)
Via Cantore, 31/D R, 16149 Genova (GE)
Only Monday to Friday
Email: covid19.liguria@lifebrain.it

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Lecce?

Laboratorio Analisi Pignatelli
Via Martiri D’Otranto, 2, 73100 Lecce (LE)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0832 243416
Email: laboratoriopignatelli@lifebrain.it
Walk-in only, no appointments accepted

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Livorno?

Centro Analisi CS Cipriani
Scali Manzoni N. 33, 57126 Livorno (LI)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0586 899285

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Mantova?

GAMMA MANTOVA
Via Altobelli, 3, 46100 Mantova (MN)
Open on Saturday and Sunday
Phone: +39 0376 229787

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Milan?

DoctorsinItaly Lambrate***
Via S. Faustino, 36, 20134 Milano MI
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 02 21079969

In-office fees: 
€15 rapid test
€84 PCR test

At home/hotel test:
€45 rapid test
€130 PCR test

Book online

***This location doesn’t accept the referral code, see fees above

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Naples?

Analisi Cliniche Cangiano
Via Benedetto Cariteo, 59, 80125 Napoli (NA)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Analisi Cliniche Castaldo
Via Acate 74, 80124 Napoli (NA)
Open on Saturday and Sunday

Book online

 

Analisi Cliniche Pane
Via Cesare Rosaroll 31, 80139 Napoli (NA)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Lifebrain Laboratorio Analisi Semeios
Via Tino di Camaino, 6, 80128 Napoli (NA)
Open on Saturday and Sunday

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Padua?

Centro Medico Valentini
Piazzetta Conciapelli, 20, 35137 Padova (PD)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Laboratorio di Analisi Cliniche Monselice Veneto
Via Cà Oddo, 17/a, 35043 Monselice (PD)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Centro Biomedico Termale Abano Terme
Via A. Volta, 51, 35031 Abano Terme (PD)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Centro Biomedico Termale Montegrotto
Largo Traiano, 20, 32121 Montegrotto (PD)
Only Tuesday to Friday

Book online

 

SELAB
Via G. Marconi, 30, 35017 Piombino Dese (PD)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Poggibonsi – Tuscany?

Centro Analisi Labor Service
Piazza Industria, 2/A, 53036 Poggibonsi (SI)
Open on Saturday

Book online

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Positano or Sorrento?

Lamberti Minori
Via Maggiore Garofalo 14, 84010 Minori (SA)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0898 541521
Email: laboratorio.lamberti@lifebrain.it

Book online

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Recco / Portofino?

Laboratorio Biotest Genova
Via Vastato, 44/1, 16036 Recco (GE)
Open on Saturday
Phone: +39 0185 720277
Email: covid19.liguria@lifebrain.it

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Rome?

Lifebrain Prati
Via Luigi Rizzo, 96, 00136 Roma (RM)
Open on Saturday


Lifebrain Appia Nuova
Via Appia Nuova, 637, 00179 Roma (RM)
Open Monday to Friday (also in the afternoon)


Lifebrain Gianicolense
Viale Dei Colli Portuensi, 547, 00151 Roma (RM)
Open on Saturday


Lifebrain Giarnieri – Rome Center
Via Po, 43, 00198 Rome (RM)
Open on Saturday


Lifebrain Olgiata
Via Anton Giulio Bragaglia, 78 E/F, 00123 Rome (RM)
Only Monday to Friday

Book online


Lifebrain Lazio – Fiumicino Giuseppe Bignami
Via Giuseppe Bignami, 47/49, 00054 Fiumicino (RM)
Open on Saturday


Where can I get a COVID-19 PCR test in Sardegna?

Lifebrain TRC
Via Gabriele D’Annunzio, 21, 07026 Olbia (OT)
Only Monday to Friday

Book online

 

Lifebrain LAO

Via Galvani, Palazzina 4 07026 Olbia (OT)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Lifebrain Nuoro

Via S. Francesco, 5, 08100 Nuoro (NU)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Lifebrain Lab Nord

Via John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 50, 07100 Sassari (SS)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Trento?

Centro Adige Maggio
Via XXIV Maggio 2/3 38122 Trento (TN)
Only Monday to Friday
Phone: +39 0461-220078 or +39 0461-220077
Email: laboratorioadige@lifebrain.it

 

Analisi Cliniche Trento Trentino Alto Adige
Via Gazzoletti, 15, 38122 Trento (TN)
Only Monday to Friday
Phone: +39 0461 220077
Email: laboratorioadige@lifebrain.it

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test near Treviso?

SELAB
Piazza Europa Unita, 75, 31033 Castelfranco Veneto (TV)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Lifebrain Sirio Cordignano
Via Roma 11, 31016 Cordignano (TV)
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Book online

 

Lifebrain Fleming Mogliano
Via Ronzinella, 162, 31021 Mogliano Veneto (TV)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

SIRIO San Vendemiano
Via Venezia 59, 31020 San Vendemiano (TV)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Venice?

Laboratorio Fleming Mestre
Viale Garibaldi 50/C, 30137 Venezia (VE)
Open on Saturday

Book online

 

Centro Analisi Fleming Quarto D’Altino
Via Roma, 93C, 30020 Quarto D’altino (VE)
Open on Saturday

Book online

Q&A

Where can I get COVID testing near me in Italy?

DoctorsinItaly clients can get Covid testing nationwide at health centers and select labs of the Lifebrain labs chain. We are expanding our network of affiliated COVID-19 testing sites in collaboration with different lab chains in Italy. The list above includes only a handful of all available labs. Additional testing sites may be available in your area.

For immediate testing needs, such as presence of symptoms, risk of exposure, or other health concerns, contact your local department of health.

What are the COVID testing sites opening hours?

Each testing site is managed as an independent lab and has its own opening hours. Most labs are open Monday through Friday, with several working also on Saturday morning. There are only a handful of COVID-19 testing sites open on Sunday, and it’s nearly impossible to get a swab test during a holiday. As inconvenient as this is, you need to keep it in mind when planning your trip. If you are flying on Monday or Tuesday, make sure you get your test done on Friday or Saturday.

Do I need an appointment to get a COVID swab test?

Testing is available by appointment only in most locations. The easiest way to make an appointment is through the “book online” links you see in the list above. Not all labs can be booked online, if this link is not available you can call or email a lab to make an appointment.

Do I need a referral from a medical professional to get a COVID-19 test?

In most cases, you won’t need one, but it depends on the local regulation of the region where you get the test. In some Italian regions, a doctor’s referral or prescription (ricetta in Italian) may still be required. It’s best to check with the lab before going in for your swab test, to avoid being turned down the day of your test. If you do need a doctor’s referral, you can easily get one within minutes via video consultation. Make a request here to see a doctor online >>

How far in advance can I schedule an appointment for a COVID swab test?

Appointments can be booked from a few days in advance to weeks, depending on availability. During the summer there are more people traveling and COVID-19 testing centres can easily be fully booked it is advisable to book as early as possible. We advise you to book your swab test as soon as you know your date of travel. If you change your plans, you can easily cancel or reschedule your appointment. Do not wait until last minute, it will be much harder to find an option and you may need to cancel or delay your flight.

What do I need to bring with me at the testing site?

You will be asked to bring:

  • A copy of your confirmation email (better if printed, but ok on your mobile)
  • Valid ID (original, not a photocopy)
  • Your referral code coupon to get the discounted fee (better if printed, but ok on your mobile)

When will I get the results of my COVID-19 swab test?

COVID test results time vary from one lab to the other, the vast majority are ready within 48 hours for the PCR swab test – and within a few hours for the rapid test. Pay attention to local public holidays (e.g. Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome on June 29th, Ferragosto throughout Italy on August 15th) as they may cause delays.
Test results turnaround time is calculated from the moment the sample arrives at the laboratory, so a collection site may experience delays if the lab picks up the samples on the following day. Test results for travel purposes cannot be guaranteed in time for travel, so make sure you plan the collection ahead of your departure. Same day results for COVID-19 test are available only if you do the rapid test (antigen), but mind that many airlines and destinations do not accept it and will require a negative PCR test for COVID-19.

How will I get results of my COVID swab test?

You will be able to see your results online and save or print a copy for your records. The day of the test, you will be given a paper with codes, which you need to keep safe. You will use these codes to access your results online. Please read carefully the instructions for receiving your results online before you leave the testing site, and make sure you have the correct papers. If you have any trouble accessing your test results, reach out to the lab for help, or contact our team and we’ll do our best to assist you. Kindly remember that DoctorsinItaly has no access to your results and only the lab can provide them to you.

Will the COVID swab test results be in English?

Yes, as long as you make sure to request this the day of the test by showing your referral coupon. If you need to get tested before boarding to get proof of negative COVID-19 test written in English, you can book an appointment and when you go in for the test, request that for report to be in English. If you need the COVID-19 swab test to travel to UK, you will also need to ask that the report includes the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test. You can check here the entry requirements for all European countries. 

How to get a COVID EU passport in Italy?

Even if you are not in possession of the Italian Health Card (i.e. not registered with the National Health System), you can get a EU Digital Covid Certificate (EUDCC) after your COVID swab test reads negative. Make sure the lab provides you with one of this codes: 

– CUN – national unique code for molecular swabs (e.g. CUN-1A2B3C4D5E)

– NRFE – electronic report number of the rapid antigen swab

Visit this page and fill out the form with your data to retrieve your Digital Covid Certificate. 

If you didn’t receive your CUN or NRFE code at the lab you will still get an AUTH code via email with full instructions about how to retrieve your Covid Certificate. The AUTH code usually is sent from this email address: noreply.digitalcovidcertificate@sogei.it. 

If you need any technical assistance you can call the toll free number 800.91.24.91, available everyday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m or via email at cittadini@dgc.gov.it

How much is a COVID swab test?

If you show the referral code coupon at affiliated labs you can get the swab test at a price cap of 55 euros for the PCR test, and 22 euros for the rapid test. The discount code is only accepted at affiliated labs, such as the ones in the list above. Other Lifebrain centers may be unable to use the referral coupon, so make sure to ask in advance if you go to a lab that is not in the list.
If you go to a lab on your own and pay out of pocket the cost of a molecular PCR test for COVID can range from 60 to 130 euros. The rapid test is widely available at pharmacies and labs and has a lower cost, ranging from 20 to 60 euros depending on the region. 

Do I need to pay upfront for a COVID swab test in Italy?

No, you don’t. If you book with Lifebrain or DoctorsinItaly you will pay for the test at the lab. Remember to show your referral coupon to benefit from the low cost fee of €55 for the PCR COVID-19 test and €22 for the rapid test. Keep in mind that not all labs adhere to this price (those listed in this page certainly do!), so it’s best to check beforehand.

I'm traveling with a friend / spouse / family member, can they get the COVID swab test the same day?

Yes, but you will need to make a specific appointment for each person who needs the swab done. Make sure to book in advance, or there may not be enough slots available for your whole group to be tested.

Can I get tested for other infections at the same labs?

Yes, you can make a request for a primary care online consultation requesting a lab order for STD screening. A doctor will help you choose the right tests, and then you’ll go in with an appointment to collect the samples. Once your results are in, if anything reads positive, the doctor will help you get the right treatment or referral. If you are in Rome, Milan, Lucca or Palermo you can get tested at one of our clinics. 

Can I get tested at one of the community testing centers if I am not resident in Italy?

If you go to testing sites operated by local government you are advised to check with the testing site in advance to confirm you will not be required to have an Italian insurance card (Tessera Sanitaria). If you do the test at a private lab with DoctorsinItaly, you won’t need to have a tessera sanitaria or the Italian tax code (codice fiscale). An example of Italian tax code based on your personal data can be calculated here. The code corresponds to what you would have as a tax code if you were enrolled with the tax system in Italy, so it can come handy for other occasions as well, though it has no legal validity.

How do I access my COVID swab test results without a codice fiscale?

If you don’t have an Italian tax code (codice fiscale) you can still access your results online. You will need to calculate the equivalent of your codice fiscale using an online tool like this one here. It has no legal validity but it will let you log into your online results. You will also find the equivalent code in the “fattura”, the payment receipt handed to you at the lab.

What is the swab tests for coronavirus? What is the difference between rapid test and PCR?

The so called “swab test”, may refer to a RT-PCR test looking for viral RNA (also called molecular test), or to a rapid antigenic swab. Both are performed on a nose/throat swab sample but one is a molecular test (detects virus’s genetic material) while the other is not (it only looks for particular virus proteins).

Both tests are used to detect the presence of an infection, and can only detect the virus during the infection. This means these tests cannot detect whether a person was infected and then subsequently recovered. If you have flu-like symptoms or signs of a respiratory infection, these are the tests you need to get to diagnose if you have Covid-19 or not.

The PCR swab test transcribes and replicates RNA traces present in a biological sample, allowing to detect the virus even when the viral load is low. This test can be used on people who have signs of infection, and on those who have no symptoms at all.

The antigen swab test is faster than the PCR swab (15 – 30 minutes) and positive results are usually accurate, but negative results may need to be confirmed with a RT-PCR test.

On January 8th, 2021, the Italian Ministry of Health has recognized the validity of the latest generation of rapid antigenic tests (immunofluorescence with microfluidic reading) which have shown results that are comparable to PCR swabs, especially if used within the first week of infection.

What is the serological test, or blood test for Covid-19?

The blood test for Covid-19 is used to identify a person who has been exposed to the virus and has developed specific antibodies. 

There are 2 types of tests: qualitative and quantitative. Initially most labs use the qualitative one, which just informs about presence or absence of antibodies. Amidst Coronavirus emergency, qualitative test is simpler, faster and allows to take the correct actions. At the end of the emergency, if it will be very likely more useful to switch to a quantitative test, which measures the exact concentration of IgG in the blood.

This type of test for coronavirus is currently available at some private labs and it can be done by anyone who requests it. 

This test is not useful for acute cases, such as patients who have developed symptoms, nor it can be used to rule out an infection. If you have been sneezing and can’t get tested through the official health centres, this test won’t help you either.

Serology tests are blood-based tests that can be used to identify whether people have been exposed to a particular pathogen by looking at their immune response and identifying specific antibodies. They all focus on proteins made by your immune system in response to an infection. The immune system keeps you healthy by producing antibodies, particles that destroy foreign invaders, such as viruses, by attaching to the antigens and deactivating them. 

If your blood contains antibodies that are specific to Covid-19, it means that your system has responded to its presence, thus you have been in contact with the virus.

Serology testing for SARS-CoV-2 is at increased demand in order to better quantify the number of cases of COVID-19, including those that may be asymptomatic or have recovered, and inform public health policies. 

The rapid tests for Covid-19, used to find IgM and IgG antibodies, can verify that a person has been infected, but it cannot confirm what is their current status. 

Specifically, a positive serology test for coronavirus would confirm the presence of specific antibodies, showing that the subject has been infected. However, this is not sufficient to understand if the person is still infected and contagious, or if they have overcome the disease and are no longer contagious.

A negative result, on the other hand, is even more uncertain: it may mean that the person is healthy and has not been in contact with the virus, or it could mean that the person is currently infected, but has not yet developed a detectable quantity of antibodies.

For this reason, serology tests cannot substitute the swab test used for diagnosing an ongoing infection and they cannot be used on subjects with symptoms to identify their status.

So why are these tests even done, you may ask.

From the perspective of public health authorities, policymakers, and researchers, it makes a lot of sense to get a more accurate estimate of how many people have been infected with Covid-19.

Additionally, if herd immunity were to be possible this kind of test could prove very useful to detect all those who have the antibodies and can be considered immune.

A word of caution is in order here: it’s still unclear for how long might immunity to the coronavirus last.  

Another shortcoming of the serology test is that it may show false positive results due to cross-reaction to similar viral strains, such as other common types of coronavirus. A person may result positive and be considered immune, while having actually had a different type of infection.