Strict limits for coronavirus testing in Tri-Cities. No drive-up option

All Tri-City-area hospitals and their clinics continue to limit testing for the novel coronavirus as the materials needed to perform the tests are in short supply.

The current priority for testing is people with the most severe symptoms of COVID-19 and those at highest risk from the illness, according to a joint statement from the Richland, Kennewick, Pasco and Prosser hospitals and the Benton-Franklin Health District.

Only doctors and other medical providers can order the tests, and patients should telephone to make arrangements before going to a clinic or emergency room to prevent infecting other patients there.

It testing is ordered, samples are collected from a patient and then covered with a solution to protect and maintain any coronavirus as the sample is shipped to a lab for testing, often across the country. The solution for the sample is among the materials in short supply.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/strict-limits-for-coronavirus-testing-in-tri-cities-no-drive-up-option/ar-BB11wiea