IDSA issues statement on prioritizing COVID-19 Testing
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has developed recommendations for public health and health care professionals to prioritize testing for COVID-19 during the shortage of accessible tests and the continuing spread of the virus. They have erecommend a four-tiered approach, based on the following indications:
Among those given top priority are ICU patients with unexplained viral pneumonia or respiratory failure, as well as anyone with fever or symptoms of lower respiratory tract illness who has had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or has traveled to an area with sustained community transmission within 14 days of symptom onset.
Tier one: Critically ill patients with unexplained symptoms; individuals with respiratory symptoms and contact with positive COVID-19 patient or recent travel to areas with high community transmission; patients with fever or respiratory infections who also are immunocompromised (including those with HIV), elderly or have underlying chronic conditions; and individuals critical to the pandemic response who experience respiratory symptoms, such as health care workers, public health officials and other essential leaders.
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