Pharmacists are fundamental in the solution to expand SARS-CoV-2 testing in the United States because of their accessibility to patients, relationships with other health care providers, skills and ability for patient assessment, POC testing, and referral. 17 determined that POC testing in community-based pharmacies could benefit patients. 13, 14, 15, 16 In addition, pharmacists are already using POC devices to test for Streptococcal pharyngitis and influenza that are similar to the devices in use for SARS-CoV-2 testing. 12 In addition, employees may be required to have a least 1 or even 2 negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 before returning to work, increasing testing demand.Įvidence exists for the quality, safety, and effectiveness of pharmacist-administered Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)–waived point-of-care (POC) tests for infectious diseases, including Streptococcal pharyngitis, influenza, Helibactor pylori, HIV, and hepatitis C. 11 With increasing demands to reopen the country and noncompliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations to prevent infection, such as washing your hands, avoiding close contact, and covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, there is an even greater need now for expanded testing. The inadequate response of the United States to develop and distribute such tests left states initially with few options except for expedited vaccine and drug development and physical distancing. 9 Although the tests are detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the tests are commonly called COVID-19 tests. Serologic tests have been developed to identify the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 through the identification of antibodies. 9, 10 Molecular-based tests identify the presence of viral RNA, and antigen tests detect the presence of the nucleocapsid protein antigen and are used to determine active infection. 8 There are currently 3 types of in vitro tests available for the detection of current or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection: (1) molecular-based (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction), (2) antigen, and (3) serologic (antibody) tests. Testing is 1 of the cornerstones of controlling the spread of infection. Each in vitro diagnostic test requires an EUA for distribution unless developed by state laboratories. 6 An EUA allows FDA to facilitate the availability of countermeasures more rapidly during a public health emergency, including for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary determined that COVID-19 posed significant public health threats, and multiple Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) were subsequently issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 1 The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and as of August 1, 2020, there were almost 5 million cases, with more than 52 million people who have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 (positivity rate of 10%) in the United States. What does a coronavirus test in a clinic cost? See the latest COVID-19 test pricing.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the strain of coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is spread through human-to-human contact. Questions? See the hospital testing FAQs. There is no cost for a test if you're staying in the hospital. This allows us to care for you while keeping you, your family, and our team members safe. Staying at the HospitalĪll patients admitted to stay in the hospital are tested for COVID-19. You can also get them at walk-in urgent care clinics like MedExpress. If you have questions about getting tested, the best thing you can do is call your doctor. Where Else Can I Get Tested for COVID?Ī number of local businesses offer tests for COVID-19, including pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Low and no-cost tests are also available near you. Free and Low-Cost COVID-19 Testingįree tests are still available by mail. You can also request an online virtual visit with your provider or get virtual urgent care. Tesing is available at UVA Health clinics. A few screening questions may help determine if you need a test. If you think you have coronavirus symptoms, or you're worried you've been exposed to the virus, call your primary care provider.
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