Coronavirus: US doctor warns of test delays with results now taking more than a week
‘I’m really concerned that the number of positive cases in the community right now are extremely underestimated’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A doctor in Texas has suspended Covid-19 testing because of a delay in receiving results.
Dr Stephen Spain said he was unlikely to test any more people until the labs can sort out the delays, with it now taking over a week for the doctor to receive results.
He told KLTV that he initially thought it was going to be a quick turnaround for results, but that recently the labs have become slower.
“Initially we were encouraged because our turnaround time was 48 hours or just under 48 hours,” Mr Spain said. “Now we’re waiting over a week for test results.”
Mr Dr Spain, who has sent off 31 samples to two different labs, revealed to the station that he has had three positive results from 18 tests so far.
He is concerned that the high number of positive results is going to be reflected in the wider community and that he will have to stop testing in order to protect his practice.
“I’m really concerned that the number of positive cases in the community right now are extremely underestimated,” Mr Spain said.
“This virus is so highly contagious, I don’t know how long it will be before I can allow patients with respiratory symptoms to come in the front door of my office without being pre-screened for coronavirus,” he added.
Mr Spain admitted that with cases rising, in the next few weeks “it’s something practitioners and clinics everywhere are going to have to wrestle with.”
According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, upwards of 100,717 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the US. The death toll has reached at least 1,544.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments