COVID Tests Back In Stock
NW received over 900 CoVID-19 antigen tests yesterday evening, so we can restart testing for FED patients with antigen tests. We are NOT doing any ‘outpatient walk-in’ testing. Just for actual FED patients.
NW does not have any single PCR (Covid) or quad-PCR (Covid, Flu, RSV).
NW does have plenty of the 20-panel Respiratory PCR, and all machines are currently working, so results are typically within 24-hrs. However, the Respiratory panel literally costs $2,000, so I strongly advise caution when considering the respiratory panel. If it will affect your management for the patient, then go ahead. However, if it is for an otherwise healthy patient in no distress and not requiring an antibody infusion, then I would strongly consider diagnosing presumptively based on symptoms and exposure and providing the COVID19 Work/School Note with the "presumptive positive” check-box checked.
Admissions: continue current process:
if admitting for non-respiratory problem and have a negative antigen at the FED, then that’s fine.
if admitting for respiratory issue, or have a high-suspicion high-risk patient and have a negative antigen, then can order the respiratory panel. Lab will the main lab to rush the panel testing. You can still admit the patient as a PUI (patient under investigation).
