What if we could get COVID-19 test results instantly?

The total number of positive coronavirus infections has touched a shocking 6.15 million mark. The number may continue to rise as countries across the world are easing lockdown restrictions. The growing number of infections and fatalities is already overwhelming the medical care system. It is putting an enormous amount of strain on our healthcare workers. Even though scientists and medical experts are working round the clock to develop a vaccine to battle COVID-19, experts believe that it may still take anywhere between 12 to 18 months.

As COVID-19 cases spike throughout the world, the need for testing is also on the rise. However, many countries across the globe are facing a critical shortage of tests. At the same time, other states are making it easier to get coronavirus tests.

For instance, a breathalyzer created by an engineering professor Nian Sun of Northeastern University, could dramatically reduce the time it takes to test for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Once approved by the FDA (the Food and Drug Administration), the device could be a game-changer in the fight against the virus.

In most cases, doctors see a particular time frame for getting the coronavirus results back. However, that can vary from days to even weeks. It takes only a few hours or less for the lab to determine if the person is acquiring the coronavirus. Further, depending on where you live, it can take up to a week or more to get the results back. It also depends on how many tests have been administered in a particular location.

Accessing COVID-19 Test Results

If the person test positive for COVID-19, he will receive:

• Advice from clinicians at 111, which will include self-isolation for a period of 14 days
• A self-isolation direction notice which requires you to undertake mandatory self-isolation for 14 days.

If you test negative for COVID-19, you will be advised by 111 that you (and your household) may end self-isolation. If you are still required to complete a mandatory self-isolation by law under a specific direction notice ( because you have recently arrived on the Island, or are a high-risk contact of a COVID-19 positive individual) even if you have tested negative you MUST remain in self-isolation.

Gurbani Gandhi

Originally published at https://globalshala.com.