More COVID-19 Testing: How Would We Use Results?

We are way behind in our COVID-19 testing. We need to be doing more so that we know what’s going on. Let me explain -

• for patients who are ill - we would have a diagnosis. I know there is no treatment, but knowing what’s going on is preferable to shooting in the dark, in my book.

• patients who test positive would be put in isolation to prevent spread of infection for others.

• for patients who are in quarantine after exposure to COVID, testing allows us to release people from quarantine safely.

Not having testing available is like having a screwdriver without a handle. We have no idea of the full extent of the epidemic.

Also, if we talk about flattening the curve, more aggressive testing will give us more accurate information on how well we are doing..

I’m going to avoid getting political here. It’s time we move to a modern era of managing an epidemic and put the politics aside.

Also - the technology is available to support the effort. See info here on Roche COVID 19 testing.