Have questions about coronavirus testing in SC? Here’s what you need to know
As more cases of coronavirus are reported in South Carolina, readers have been asking about whether they need to get tested, and what a test entails.
We’ve done some research and have answered some questions below. For more general questions about the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in general, check out our coronavirus Q&A.
How can I get tested?
New federal guidelines allow anyone to be tested whom a doctor recommends.
For those with mild symptoms — namely a fever and a cough but not shortness of breath — the best way to get tested is by contacting a doctor’s office or by using the Medical University of South Carolina’s free online screening tool, said Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of South Carolina.
Those with mild symptoms do not need to go to an emergency room because that can cause a strain on resources for sicker patients, Nolan said.
We “don’t want to drive traffic to emergency rooms and plug them up,” unless patients have serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath or an increased heart rate, Nolan said.
What does the test show?
The tests being administered right now look for only the active virus. That means the test can tell a sick person if their sickness is caused by coronavirus, Nolan said.
The test, however, cannot tell patients whether they were exposed to coronavirus but didn’t get sick or if they had coronavirus but got better, Nolan said.
What does the test consist of?
There are a couple ways for medical professionals to test for coronavirus, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
The test can be as simple as getting a nasal or oral swab, but it can also be more complicated such as by having a thin tube run down the mouth and into the lungs for a sample, according to the library of medicine.
Other types of tests include blood tests, testing mucus coughed up from the lungs, or injecting saline solution into the nose and then removing it with a vacuum-like device.
Sometimes, medical experts will ask for more than one sample, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s because the accuracy of the test is improved when samples include those from the back of the nose and the back of the mouth, Nolan said.
The test is sent to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. If doctors find coronavirus RNA in the samples, the test is considered to be a “presumptive positive” until the CDC can confirm the results.
How much does it cost?
The CDC has been offering tests for free at public laboratories, according to CNN. However, as private companies begin offering testing, it is possible private companies will charge for the test, meaning costs could vary by where the test is done and with whom the patient has insurance, according to CNBC.
Can I get tested even if I haven’t left the state?
Yes. Anybody who has symptoms of coronavirus can get tested, DHEC Epidemiologist Linda Bell said at a Saturday press conference.
For example, a Kershaw County woman in her 80s was among the first to have a confirmed case of coronavirus in S.C., but she had not left the state recently, Bell said.
Is there a shortage of tests in S.C.?
There is no shortage of coronavirus test kits in SC, officials said at a Monday press conference. As of Monday, DHEC had around 1,000 test kits available
As of Tuesday morning, DHEC has used only 31 coronavirus tests, according to its website.
What if I don’t live near a hospital?
MUSC has been offering free, online access to medical professionals for people who are experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to a previous article from The State.
To use the online portal, go to musc.care, create an account if necessary and use the promotional code COVID19 when asked for payment.
Medical officials cannot diagnose coronavirus over the internet, but medical professionals can screen potential patients to tell them whether or not they likely have coronavirus. If they are likely to have the virus, MUSC can send a medical professional to the patient’s house for testing, which reduces the chance he or she exposes others to the virus.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.