Mary Wilson
Well-known member
November 17, 20205:46 PM ET
ROB STEIN
With the pandemic out of control in the United States, the nation's precarious coronavirus testing system is starting to strain again.
Long lines are again forming in some places as the surge of infections drives a surge in demand for testing. Testing companies, lab directors and testing policy experts warn that waiting times for results could soon start to lengthen. In fact, one of the largest commercial testing companies Tuesday reported turnaround times had already started creeping up.
... And as these cases skyrocket, the need for tests are far outpacing what we have," says Heather Pierce, senior director for science policy and regulatory counsel at the Association of American Medical Colleges.
... even though people can sometimes get their results within minutes, many still have to wait at least two days or more...
...half of labs are reporting shortages of test kits and two-thirds are reporting shortages of crucial chemicals and other supplies, such as like plastic tips for devices called pipettes.
Some labs are now also running short on staff because they're getting infected and sick themselves.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health...-strains-laboratories-drives-supply-shortages
ROB STEIN
With the pandemic out of control in the United States, the nation's precarious coronavirus testing system is starting to strain again.
Long lines are again forming in some places as the surge of infections drives a surge in demand for testing. Testing companies, lab directors and testing policy experts warn that waiting times for results could soon start to lengthen. In fact, one of the largest commercial testing companies Tuesday reported turnaround times had already started creeping up.
... And as these cases skyrocket, the need for tests are far outpacing what we have," says Heather Pierce, senior director for science policy and regulatory counsel at the Association of American Medical Colleges.
... even though people can sometimes get their results within minutes, many still have to wait at least two days or more...
...half of labs are reporting shortages of test kits and two-thirds are reporting shortages of crucial chemicals and other supplies, such as like plastic tips for devices called pipettes.
Some labs are now also running short on staff because they're getting infected and sick themselves.
https://www.npr.org/sections/health...-strains-laboratories-drives-supply-shortages