AdventHealth West Florida Division to Deploy Rapid Test for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

TAMPA, Fla., April 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- AdventHealth hospitals in the West Florida Division are now providing rapid testing using the Cepheid Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 device for patients who are in our care and meet the evaluation criteria for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA gave emergency authorization for the device and its specialized cartridges to be used for rapid laboratory testing. The testing device, which is standard in all AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals, can provide rapid detection of COVID-19 in approximately 45 minutes, improving the turnaround time on test results.

The new rapid testing will launch in two phases. Phase one will launch immediately at AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Ocala and AdventHealth Sebring hospitals. Phase two will launch with all remaining AdventHealth West Florida Division hospital locations by the end of April.

"AdventHealth is aggressively pursuing and implementing the best testing options available in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic," said Jose Tirado, Jr., Division Director of Laboratory Services, AdventHealth West Florida Division. "This new rapid test is an important tool, and advantage, for our physicians and providers who need expedited lab results in order to provide immediate treatment to patients and improve clinical outcomes."

By implementing the new rapid testing, AdventHealth is helping to alleviate the burden on private labs that are inundated with COVID-19 test samples for processing. Last month, AdventHealth Tampa began in-house testing for patients who meet evaluation criteria for COVID-19 in Florida. Both the rapid testing and standard in-house testing can only be facilitated with a physician's order for patients who meet the evaluation criteria as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do I go if I want to be tested?

If you are sick and exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), you should seek treatment with your primary care physician. Existing AdventHealth Medical Group patients can call DOC-2DAY to set up in-person or video visits with a physician. The public can also call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-877-VIRUS-HQ ( Call1-877-847-8747) which is open 24/7.

*Please note: Currently, the public is not allowed to order their own COVID-19 test at an AdventHealth hospital, physician practice or Centra Care urgent care. The test must be ordered by a physician.

Q: I have questions about COVID-19 or AdventHealth's testing capabilities, how can I learn more?

To ask general questions about COVID-19, get screened, find testing locations, or speak to a nurse, you can call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-877-VIRUS-HQ ( Call1-877-847-8747) which is open 24/7. Learn more, take an online screening assessment or connect to a doctor video visit online at CoronavirusResourceHub.com.

Q: Can I get a coronavirus test at AdventHealth if I am not sick?

Not at this time. Currently all tests are designated for those who are exhibiting symptoms and meet the testing criteria.

Q: I have a fever and cough. Will I be automatically tested for COVID-19?

No. Fever and cough are common symptoms for other illnesses, including the flu. Physicians will evaluate your symptoms, travel history, potential for exposure and other factors and determine if a COVID-19 test is appropriate for you. They will also test you for other viruses, including the flu.

Q: How can I be tested?

A physician must order a COVID-19 test based on testing criteria guidelines.

Q: Does AdventHealth share test results with the Florida Department of Health?

Yes. AdventHealth shares COVID-19 test results with the Florida Department of Health as required by regulation.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division
The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nation's brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as five freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Brandon ER, AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, AdventHealth TimberRidge ER, and AdventHealth Westchase ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including long-term acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, Centra Care urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy, home care, mobile mammography and more. AdventHealth is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth.

SOURCE AdventHealth