How to get tested?

Posted on April 1, 2020

As the number of those diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to climb, locals experiencing respiratory virus symptoms may find themselves asking, “How do I get tested for COVID-19?”

The test consists of a nasopharyngeal swab – or a nasal swab – which is commonly used to diagnose influenza viruses.

“This test collects a sample of nasal secretion from the back of the nose and throat,” Department of Health (DOH) Taylor County Public Information Officer Martine Young said.

According local DOH officials, private health care providers and hospitals can order a COVID-19 test as they deem necessary.

“Providers do not need to get approval in order to conduct tests unless they have some kind of internal policies or guidelines. It is simply at the provider’s discretion,” DOH Taylor County Public Information Officer Martine Young said.

There are two avenues for COVID-19 testing: through a state laboratory or through a private laboratory.

Test results from state labs require 24 hours for a presumptive positive. Those results must then go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be confirmed, which takes an additional 24 hours.

“So, if a person is tested by the state lab, they usually get their results within 48 hours,” Young said. “I cannot speak on why, but from what we have seen, private labs are taking roughly five to seven days to give results.”

To be tested by a state lab, an individual must be experiencing a fever over 100.4, a cough and shortness of breath and check one or more of the following boxes:

• Been in close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case,

• Traveled to, or from, an affected geographic location with widespread community transmission within the last 14 days,

• Have a history of international travel or been on a cruise within the last 14 days,

• Be hospitalized with an acute lower respiratory illness of unknown origin,

• Be a person 65 years or older with chronic health conditions,

• Or be an immunocompromised person.

Those who become sick are encouraged to asked themselves these questions:

• Do you have symptoms such as a fever greater than 100.4, a cough or shortness of breath?

• Have you travelled to an area with widespread community transmission, travelled internationally or returned from a cruise within the last 14 days?

• Have you been in direct contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, the DOH recommends you immediately self-isolate and call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms, travel history and/or exposure. “It is important to call ahead so that your healthcare provider can take the proper

Subscribe to our e-Edition and read the rest of the story. Already a subscriber? Click here to sign in.