With a limited number of coronavirus testing kits available in Ohio, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about who should get tested, how to start the process, and where to go.
Should I get tested?
Before you begin the process to get tested, you should first determine if you are eligible.
University Hospitals released this video on current testing guidelines:
You should not begin the testing process if you:
-Do not have symptoms of respiratory tract illness
-Test positive for other viruses
You should begin the testing process if you:
-Show symptoms of coronavirus
-Are higher risk for adverse outcome of getting sick
What are the symptoms?
UH also released this chart to determine if you have symptoms of COVID-19, cold, flu or seasonal allergies:
If you have a fever, cough and/or experiencing shortness of breath, you may have coronavirus. Emergency warning signs include difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and bluish lips or face, according to the CDC. If you develop these, you should should call your nearest ER to let them know you are coming, and head there, according to Ohio Dept. of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton.
How do I begin the process of getting tested?
Testing generally begins by calling your primary healthcare provider or with an online screening with a healthcare provider that is testing for coronavirus:
Cleveland Clinic: Use their free online screening toolto find out your risk level and get the most appropriate care recommendations
University Hospitals: Begin by setting up a UHVirtualVisit here.
MetroHealth: Begin by calling the MetroHealth System COVID-19 support line at 440-59-COVID (6842). Click here for more information.
SummaHealth: Begin by taking SummaHealth’s online screening tool here.
LakeHealth: Begin by taking LakeHealth’s online screening tool here.
Where do I go to get tested?
Once you have obtained a doctor’s order for COVID-19 testing, you can get tested at one of the testing locations below. Note that the doctor’s order may have to come from the healthcare provider where you are going for testing.
Cleveland Clinic:
W.O. Walker Building
10524 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44195
Patients should enter the garage from E. 105th St.
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week
University Hospitals:
UH Landerbrook Health Center
5850 Landerbrook Dr.
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Enter off Cedar Rd. onto Landerbrook Drive (between Cedar and Brainard Rd.).
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week
MetroHealth, SummaHealth and LakeHealth care providers will give instructions on how to get tested if you meet the guidelines.
Do I have to pay for testing?
All area healthcare systems have said that the cost of COVID-19 testing will be waived, whether you have health insurance or not.
How does the test work?
UH explains how their drive-through testing site works:
At a drive-through testing site, the patient stays in the car. A health care provider in personal protective equipment takes the patient’s temperature, checks for breathing difficulties and swabs the patient’s mouth to get a sample that will be sent to a UH lab.
How long will it take to get results?
Cleveland Clinic says on-site testing should yield results within one day, and testing results will automatically be released through MyChart within five days.
University Hospitals said that samples are sent to UH labs, and results are expected to be available within a day.
RELATED: See the latest coronvirus developments on our Coronavirus Live Blog.
