Need A COVID Test? Brace For Long Lines And Shortages Again
Demand is spiking as coronavirus infections hit record highs and Americans try to get tested ahead of Thanksgiving. But kits are running out in many areas and labs report that they are running out chemicals and supplies.
NPR:
A Rush On Coronavirus Testing Strains Laboratories, Drives Supply Shortages
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. (Stein, 11/17)
In other testing news —
The New York Times:
New Type Of Test May Better Discern Immunity To The Coronavirus
A new type of test can detect a person’s immune response to the coronavirus better than a widely used antibody test, according to research released on Tuesday. The test, if authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, would be the first commercial product to detect the response of a T cell — a type of immune cell — to the virus. Antibodies have dominated the conversation on immunity since the start of the pandemic, but scientists believe that T cells may be just as important in preventing reinfection. (Mandavilli, 11/17)
El Paso Times:
East El Paso Walmart Begins Drone Delivery Of COVID-19 Testing Kits
El Pasoans living near an East Side Walmart can get an at-home COVID-19 testing kit delivered by drone. The service started Tuesday. In partnership with Quest Diagnostics and DroneUp, Walmart on Tuesday announced the drone delivery system offered from the store at 1850 N. Zaragoza Road. The delivery will be to single-family homes within a 1.5 mile radius of the store and will depend on weather conditions. (Cortes Gonzalez, 11/17)
