Sonya Addison, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, and holds a certification by the American Society of Hypertension. She currently practices Endocrinology at Boone Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology in Columbia, Mo. This column is for educational and entertainment purposes, and is not meant to replace the advice of your personal medical team.

COVID-19 information is consuming most of our attention these days. It is spreading – both the virus and the fear. 

We are seeing an uptick in cases for two reasons. The first is that it is spreading. The second is because we have more test kits available. When people are being tested, we will obviously see an increase in cases. Don’t let the numbers scare you – most of the test results are actually negative.

As of this writing, the state of Missouri has 106 confirmed cases and 3 deaths. Howard County has no confirmed cases. 

Symptoms of this novel coronavirus include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Those who are considered “at risk” should be tested.  How do you go about getting a test?

The first thing you should do is to contact your healthcare provider.  He or she will ask specific questions to determine if you are at risk of contracting COVID-19.  These questions and determinations for testing might vary by location or healthcare organization.  

Right now, there are not enough tests to allow testing for anyone who wants one. This is why we have implemented a screening system. This allows those who are most likely to have COVID-19 to be tested. Test availability is increasing every day, and new testing techniques are being developed. Factories that make medical tests have slowed production of other items to focus on making Coronavirus tests. 

The US government has set aside certain FDA regulations that stifle development and production of medical tests, drugs, and supplies. This has allowed a number of different testing methods to come to market very quickly. The government has also asked the private market to assist with the Coronavirus pandemic. This means that private companies, which are traditionally faster and more resilient than government entities, can ramp up production of test kits. 

On Sunday, March 22, the FDA approved a new testing method. It is a Point of Care test that gives results, on site, in only 45 minutes. It is similar to tests used for strep throat or influenza. An answer can be given almost immediately. This will allow for those who are negative to resume their activities, or if positive, to be more serious about isolation. Cepheid, the company who developed this new test, has said that the tests will be available by the end of March (next week).

Until then, tests results will take between 24 and 72 hours. Most in mid-Missouri are taking about 24 hours. If you are tested, then you are asked to remain isolated until the result is available. 

If you are deemed to need a Coronavirus test, then you should present to the testing site as instructed by your care team. This could be your local health department, a drive through testing facility, or a lab. Right now, most testing is being done through health departments or drive through sites. This is to limit exposure of those who may have COVID-19 to the public. 

Both Boone Hospital and University of Missouri Healthcare have drive-through testing. After speaking with your healthcare team, you will be given an order to have the test. When you drive through these sites, a person donning personal protective equipment will approach your car. You will need to present your photo ID, your insurance card, and your order for a test. The tech will then use a small swab to collect a sample from the very back part of your nose. You, and anyone in your vehicle, will be instructed to isolate until results are available. 

Last week, travel history was required to determine if a patient was at risk. We now have community spread, meaning that you do not have to travel to be exposed.  Testing recommendations are changing daily, so be sure that you talk with your provider if you have any symptoms.

Sonya Addison, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, and holds a certification by the American Society of Hypertension. She currently practices Endocrinology at Boone Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology in Columbia, Mo.  This column is for educational and entertainment purposes, and is not meant to replace the advice of your personal medical team.