Quest Diagnostics Sign Up Information

Thank you for your interest in our services. Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world''s leading provider of diagnostic information services, announced the launch a coronavirus (COVID-19 formally known as SARS-Covi-2) test service. The new test service aids the presumptive detection of nucleic acid in respiratory specimens of patients meeting CDC''s clinical criteria for COVID-19/SARS-Covi-2 testing.

In response to your query,

Currently we do not have the in-home kit test available. We are however offering the COVID-19 antibody (IGG) test code 39504 which may be collected at your physician's office or at one of our patient service centers. COVID-19 antibody testing is available with a doctor's order or you can self-order through QuestDirect (https:questdirect.questdiagnostics.com).

We will only collect blood samples from non-symptomatic patients and may also take non-contact forehead temperatures. (temperature must register 100.3 or below for entry).  

We highly encourage all our patients to make an appointment and wear a mask or face covering when visiting our patient service centers.

Symptomatic patients can ONLY be collected at a physician's office, hospital or a government collection sites. Symptomatic patients should NOT drop off specimens collected by their physician at a Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center (PSC).

Providers should review the CDC website or public health authority to guide their patient management and lab testing for COVID-19: The CDC provides information on COVID-19 at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov. Additional talking points:  The CDC recommends that clinicians use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested for SARS-CoV-2. Decisions on which patients receive testing should be based on the local epidemiology of COVID-19, as well as the clinical course of illness.  In addition, the CDC provides guidance that clinicians are strongly encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness, including infections such as influenza.

Detection of IgG antibodies may indicate exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It usually takes at least 10 days after symptom onset for IgG to reach detectable levels. An IgG positive result may suggest protective immunity after resolution of primary infection with SARS-CoV-2, but the relationship between IgG positivity and immunity to SARS-CoV-2 has not yet been firmly established. Positive results could also be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E. Definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by molecular testing methods.

The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days, or as long as 14 days after exposure. To be cautious, many governments are requiring an isolation period of 14 days for people returning from endemic areas.

I am providing information from the CDC website (ww.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.) that recommends that patients call  their health provider: 

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Your Physician will determine if you have signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether you should be tested. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever1 and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing).

CDC (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.)  recommendations:

Priorities for testing may include:

Other symptomatic individuals such as, older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions and/or an immunocompromised state that may put them at higher risk for poor outcomes (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, receiving immunosuppressive medications, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease).

Any persons including healthcare personnel, who within 14 days of symptom onset had close contact with a suspect or laboratory-confirmed4 COVID-19 patient, or who have a history of travel from affected geographic areas5 (see below) within 14 days of their symptom onset.

Call your doctor:  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Watch for symptoms:

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

?    Fever

?    Cough

?    Shortness of breath

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick Follow the steps below

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, follow the steps below to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care and call ahead before visiting your doctor

?   Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.

?   Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.

?   Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

?    Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation Stay away from others: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific "sick room" and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

?    Limit contact with pets & animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people. ?Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.

?    When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick with COVID-19. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.

Sincerely,

Quest Diagnostics | Kansas City National Customer Services | 9601 Renner Blvd | Lenexa, KS 66219 USA | phone 866MYQUEST | www.questdiagnostics.comPlease think about resource conservation before you print this message

For healthcare providers: QuestDiagnostics.com/home/Covid-19/HCP/
For patients: QuestDiagnostics.com/home/Covid-19/Patients/