Limited in-house COVID 19 testing underway at Beebe

A Beebe Healthcare laboratory now has the ability to run a limited number of laboratory tests to confirm coronavirus, officials announced April 15.  

This means in certain, limited instances, Beebe can test a patient for coronavirus, get a result in 1-2 hours, and inform the patient in a few hours instead of a few days, officials said. However, the supply of materials needed to run the test is limited, and Beebe will continue to use the State of Delaware’s and commercial labs.

“Although the test kits are in short supply, I am happy to report we are able to obtain novel coronavirus confirmation test results in a few hours rather than multiple days in some cases. We will continue to send specimens to other labs as our allotted supply cannot meet the demand, but it is progress,” said Dr. David Tam, president and CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “I want to thank all the team members who worked tirelessly to obtain these necessary materials. I also want to thank our state leaders and community, who have donated more than $400,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was crucial in being able to obtain these materials.”

Tam said Beebe is not changing its process for collecting specimens at its mobile testing locations throughout Sussex County, and he urged anyone with symptoms to continue to talk to their primary care provider or call the COVID-19 screening line to be screened, assessed, and scheduled for testing. Beebe Medical Group is also offering telemedicine visits with providers so that patients can stay safe in their home during this time of physical distancing.

“It is important to stress that our community needs to continue to follow the quarantine guidance from the Division of Public Health and Gov. John Carney. This surge has not come to Delaware yet, but we are still expecting a surge and are prepared. Leaving your home should only be for essential reasons. Be sure to make your appointments with your primary care provider and manage chronic illnesses if you have any – staying healthy and in your home is the best defense against COVID-19 pandemic,” Tam said. 

Officials note the public should not go to Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus to receive a coronavirus test and should use the emergency department only for a true emergency.

Beebe has expanded its COVID-19 screening line for patients to receive screening and assessment by a Beebe clinician for COVID-19 testing. The screening line team can also address questions surrounding COVID-19 symptoms, education and care. The screening line is available at 302-645-3200 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about Beebe Healthcare, go to www.beebehealthcare.org. To find out how Beebe Healthcare is Creating the Next Generation of Care for the community, go to www.nextgenerationofcare.org.