Opelousas General Health System now has an FDA-approved in-house test for the detection of COVID-19.
Dr. Kenneth Scott Parks, chief of staff at Opelousas General, said, “This is a game-changer for managing patients in the ED and hospital as we will have results within minutes instead of days. It will also have value in the community as people start looking to return to work.”
The test involves a nasal swabbing and accurate test results are available within an hour, according to a news release from the hospital.
Dr. Chrissy Lalonde, medical director of laboratory services at Opelousas General, said, “Due to limited number of testing kits, this test is being prioritized based on patient symptoms and potential changes in patient care.”
The news release continued, “By having this testing capability in house, it will allow us to have a faster affirmative diagnosis for patients being admitted to appropriately place them onto the appropriate area of the hospital. In some cases, it will help employees return back to work sooner – if asymptomatic but have been exposed.
Dr. Kenneth Cochran, OGHS president and CEO, said, “By having this test, it helps us meet our normal operating expectations for testing. Most ailments can be tested and resulted within 24 hours.”