Health

Beaumont, Henry Ford are first Michigan hospitals to process COVID-19 tests

March 18, 2020, 5:58 AM

Two major Metro Detroit hospitals now are processing COVID-19 tests themselves instead of using a state lab.

Those capabilities at Henry Ford Health Sytstem and Beaumont Health "are believed to be the first of what could be several hospital-based tests in the state," according to Bridge Magazine.

The Henry Ford lab began testing about 30 patients Monday, and within a month expects to test up to 1,000 specimens daily, Henry Ford officials told reporter.


An epidemiology technician at Beaumont Health Lab processes COVID-19 test samples this week. (Photo: Beaumont Health)

Beaumont posts that it "has started processing a limited number of COVID-19 tests in its own laboratory. On-site processing allows doctors to have results in hours instead of days."

"It typically takes months to do this and we did it in several days," Dr. Barbara Ducatman, chief of pathology and laboratory medicine for Beaumont says in its announcement.

"However, we must conserve our testing supplies. That’s why we’re only processing our own tests for certain patients who meet COVID-19 testing criteria and are admitted to our hospitals or are receiving treatment in one of our emergency centers."

Similarly, Henry Ford also is testing only existing patients and newcomers admitted through the emergency department because of coronavirus symptoms. Its own health care workers also are prioritized, reports Robin Erb of Bridge.

Henry Ford doctors said tests now sent to the state lab take three days or longer to process — a problem state officials may address with more workers, Department of Michigan Health and Human Services spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said.

Samples from patients at curbside screening sites will continue to be sent to a private lab, with results expected in several days.

Henry Ford can process 100 tests a day, according to the Detroit Free Press.

In addition to the new Beaumont Health Lab tests for patients already admitted, the each of the network's eight hospitals offer limited curbside screening and evaluation for COVID-19. "Staff is evaluating hundreds of patients in their vehicles each day," posted information says.

► Curbside screening hours: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. in Dearborn, Royal Oak and Troy, as well as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in Grosse Pointe, Farmington Hills, Taylor, Trenton and Wayne.

“This limited screening is only for patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” said Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, director of infection prevention and epidemiology. "Please try to call ahead to Beaumont’s COVID-19 hotline, (800) 592-4784, or your physician's office before attempting to get screened."

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