1SOURCE - LABS & MEDICAL SERVICES Now Testing For COVID-19
What is a Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. They infect the respiratory system. Common signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of coronavirus.
Testing for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently broadened the guidelines for coronavirus testing. Anyone who has symptoms like a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing can receive a test if a doctor agrees. Doctors are encouraged first to rule out other causes of respiratory illness, like influenza, and to take into consideration whether there are other local coronavirus cases.
Coronavirus testing looks for signs of infection in nasal secretions, or other body fluids using real-time RT-PCR. The test is directed to detect and identify the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
How to Get Tested
If you suspect that you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately. If your doctor’s office does not have a lab that tests for SARS-CoV-2, they can print the order form found in the COVID-19 guide which you can download below. Please follow the instruction for sample collection and shipping.
Resources
Download our comprehensive Coronavirus testing guide below. The guide contains a collection guide, a fact sheet for health providers, a fact sheet for patients, and an order form.
To order testing kits or any other inquiries regarding COVID-19, email us at msalgado@1sourcelabsmedical.com
