FAQ Covid-19

frequently asked questions

  • What is a Corona Test Prescription Code (CTPC)? How do I obtain a CTP Code?

A CTP code is an administrative code that is used to simplify the administration of COVID-19 testing. The CTP code is used to:

  • Reimbursement by simplifying the insurance companies.
  • Results to be registered on the “EU Digital Covid Certificate”

https://www.mijngezondheid.belgie.be/#/

A CTP code consists of 16 alphanumeric positions, format “ xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx”. The code will be sent to you by SMS from the telephone number 8811, with the mention "Corona Test Prescription Code":

  • Upon request by the general practitioner, occupational physician or CLB doctor
  • After high-risk contact, via contact tracing
  • After completing a Passenger Location Form

CTP codes for non-reimbursed PCR tests can be requested via the following website: https://www.mijngezondheid.belgie.be/#/.  
On this website, you have the option to perform a "Self Assessment Testing (SAT)": “I feel Ill. Do I have to do a test? (questionnaire)”. Depending on the conclusion of the SAT, you can also receive a CTP code for a reimbursed PCR. Attention, a CTP code obtained via SAT is only valid for 2 days!

  • What is the cost of a COVID-19 PCR test?

If you have a valid CTP code for a reimbursed test,  or a medical application form from a doctor, the COVID-19 analysis will be fully reimbursed by your health insurance company.

In all other cases, the test will not be reimbursed, the invoice will be borne by the patient. The cost of the test is €50 all-in. No extra costs are charged for collections in our collection centers.

If you are domiciled in Belgium, the invoice will be sent to your home. If you live abroad, the purchase must be paid in cash. We do not accept Bancontact or Payconic.

  • Who can request a COVID-19 PCR sampling? Do you also sample travelers?

Lab CRI provides COVID-19 PCR collections for anyone. However, everyone must present with:

        • A valid CTP code.
        • A pre-filled application form with all the necessary patient information. 

As a traveler or individual, you will not have an application form from your physician, but you must fill our digital application form in.

The document is digitally completed and emailed to your email address. The request form must be printed, signed and given to the nurse at the CRI collection center.

Click here for the Covid-19 request form

We urge you to register the needed information accurately and correctly. An incorrect registration of e-mail address or mobile phone number will prevent the correct receival of results.

ATTENTION: Please note that your CTP code has a limited validity of 10 days. If the CTP code is no longer valid on the date of the test, the test will not be reimbursed by the mutual insurance companies and will be at the expense of the patient.

  • How and Where are COVID-19 PCR samples taken?

COVID-19 samplings are performed without appointment in our collection centers in Ghent, Lokeren and Ostend.

Laboratory CRI
Zwijnaarde 3 industrial park, 9052 Ghent
Mon-Fri, 13 - 14h

Clinicare Lokeren
Lepelstraat 15, 9160 Lokeren
Mon-Fri: 8:30 – 12:00h and 12:30 – 16:30 h

ZorgConnect Elversele
Nieuwe Steenweg 106, 9140 Elversele
Mon-Fri: 14 - 16h By appointment via www.zorgconnect.be

  • Is it possible to receive the result of the COVID-19 test in another language?

Yes. The result can be sent in Dutch, English or French. You can specify this during the digital registration, or specify your language request to the nurse at the CRI collection center.

  • How will I receive my results? Can I receive them digitally?

The results will be forwarded to you via a secured message system, for which you must have registered an active mail account and mobile phone number. You will receive information on the reporting tool following the digital registration, or following sampling at the CRI collection center.

  • How long will it take before I receive my result?

If you do not receive the result within 24 hours, we would like to ask you to first check the spam folder of your mailbox. If needed, you can contact the lab by mail (secretariaat@cri.be) or by telephone via our COVID helpdesk: 09 329 23 03 (Mon- Fri, 8:00 - 12:00 h and 12:30 - 16:00 h).

  • What is the European corona certificate?

The so-called "EU Digital COVID Certificate" (DCC) is intended to make travel within the European Union easier. It is available via a QR code on your smartphone, or via a paper document that you can request by phone.

The certificate contains information such as name, date of birth, date of issue, information about the vaccination, coronal test or recovery from COVID-19, and a unique QR code. No other health data is shared for privacy reasons. The countries visited are not allowed to keep this data. The certificate is formatted in English and in the 3 country languages (Dutch, French and German).

To receive a certificate, you must meet one of the following conditions:

      • You have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Most countries will only accept a certificate after complete vaccination. Usually there is also a waiting period of a few weeks after the day of full vaccination, because only then the protection is optimal.
      • A vaccination certificate is valid for 1 year from the day after vaccination.
      • You have a negative PCR test. The test is valid for 72 hours from the time you take it. Because the laboratories need time to process the tests and record the results, in practice your test certificate will be valid for 24 to 48 hours.
      •  You tested positive for coronavirus in the past 6 months and have therefore sufficient immunity. This recovery certificate is valid from 11 days after the positive test, and remains valid for 180 days from the time of the test.

To be on the safe side, check the ReOpen EU website before you leave, as the rules may vary from country to country and region to region.

  • Where can I get such a corona certificate?

The laboratory can NOT assist you in obtaining a European corona certificate. We would therefore ask you not to contact us about this, in order to keep our telephone helpdesk free. We thank you for your understanding.

The corona certificate is retrievable via the free CovidSafeBE app (available for iOS and Android). The European corona certificate can also be requested on sites like Covidsafe.be and My Health. To request certificates digitally, you need either your ID card, PIN and card reader, or another activated digital key (for example, the itsme app).

It is also possible to receive the certificate by post. To do so, call 078/78.78.50 from Flanders. Keep in mind that there is a waiting period between the order and the receipt of the certificates. The number is available 24 hours a day for requesting vaccination or recovery certificates.