We must flatten the curve. Practice social distancing. Wear masks when out in public. How do we really know any of this is working, if we are not testing people for the disease? There are numbers floating around, that are merely estimations based on probable cases. Until we have tested a significant amount of the population ( 2-3%), these numbers do not have true value.
Not only is testing important, but doing the right test is also important. There are two types of testing currently available. One is the naso-pharyngeal swab, which tests for the actual virus ( SAR-CoV-2). The other is a blood test which tests for antibodies to the virus. The test that is paramount at this time is the one that tests for the virus. This will help us know who is actually capable of spreading the virus. As with all viruses, there are people who show no symptoms, but are capable of spreading the virus (asymptomatic). In order to truly determine if we are slowing the spread (flattening the curve), and calculate infection rate, mortality rate and overall impact on society, we must know who is carrying the disease. The antibody test is important to determine if people have been exposed and hopefully formed some type of immunity(ability to fight the disease if encountered again). If we know you have been exposed to the virus, but seemed to have battled it without difficulty, that is valuable knowledge. Now we may be able to use your blood products to help another person, develop a treatment or prevention(vaccine). The more people we sample that have some sort of immunity to the virus, the closer we can get to a treatment or prevention.
Currently, only about 1% of the US population has been tested. There are several reasons for this. The FDA approval of tests has been a process, to ensure tests are reliable. The criteria to be tested varies and has been very strict in most states. The access to testing due to cost ( free testing is very limited) has been an issue. Laboratories who offer the tests have to purchase them and then the doctor’s office or health system has to pay the lab to run the test. Most private doctor offices cannot afford the upfront expense to order the tests and then wait to, possibly be reimbursed in 90 days. The free testing that is being offered is run mainly through Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) and has been very limited and testing criteria very strict.
There are many testing site options currently. Most of the free or low cost testing sites are drive-thru. Some clinics are offering testing at a cost, which varies. There are home testing kits which are offered at a higher cost. The drive-thru and home kits require you to swab yourself with clear specific instructions. Check your insurance company website or call to see if testing is covered and if you must obtain from a particular laboratory.
If we are truly going to get a handle on this virus, we must test more people and a broader area of people. We must overcome the barrier of access to testing. Bring the testing to the people, while at the same time minimizing risk of spreading the virus, is our best course of action. More mobile drive-thru centers and increased access to reliable home testing.
Until we talk again:
Please continue practicing social distancing, good hygiene, eating fruits and vegetables, getting a proper amount of sleep and being active daily.
The Sharp Doc 