Testing for COVID-19

Delta Memorial Hospital and Delta Health Services can collect swabs for COVID-19 testing. However, at this time, we are unable to process the tests in-house.

Swabs are sent to Quest Diagnostics for processing. Turn-around time is longer than we would like and may take up to 5 days before results are returned.

Delta Memorial has an instrument on order to be able to process tests with a 1 hour turn-around time. Due to high demands for this instrument, it is uncertain when that will be made available. It is expected before the end of August and we hope to make that deadline. We have also ordered a second instrument used for rapid testing. This will allow a 15 minute screening, but availability is also uncertain on this instrument as well.

COVID Antibody testing CAN be done in house at this time and hundreds have already been done. This is a blood test and the turn-around time is 1 hour. This test will show if you have previously been infected with the virus, even if you had no symptoms.

If you or your family need any of these tests, please contact your family physician for an order.
(updated July 23, 2020)



ADH has activated a call center to answer questions from health care providers and the public about the novel coronavirus. During normal business hours (8:00am - 4:30pm), urgent and non-urgent calls, please call 1-800-803-7847 or email ADH.CoronaVirus@arkansas.gov. After normal business hours, urgent calls needing immediate response, please call 501-661-2136.

For more information about Arkansas' fight against this rapidly spreading disease, please visit the Arkansas Department of Health's Coronvirus Guidance Page.



Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses including the common cold as well as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. At the end of January, a new strand of this virus emerged in China resulting in a disease called coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Information about the virus is limited at present but it is being heavily monitored by public health groups, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO).

These organizations have released recommendations for prevention and treatment of this illness. We, at Delta Memorial Hospital, would like to share this information with you so that you can protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Outbreaks of new viruses are always a concern for the public, as treatments for these new viruses are limited and vaccines often do not exist.

RISK FACTORS & CAUSES

The CDC believes that an individual's risk for infection of COVID-19 is dependent on exposure. For the general population, the risk is very low. Those most at risk for exposure are individuals who have had contact with others with confirmed positive cases of the virus.

It is unclear how this particular virus spreads, but it is believed to be from person to person in close contact and through respiratory droplets. It is currently unknown if the virus can be transferred through touching a surface previously touched by an infected individual.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of the virus should appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. These symptoms can range from being mild to being severe and have been known to cause death. However, severe cases of this disease have been mostly noted in individuals of older age or with significant preexisting medical conditions.

At the current time, it is believed that these symptoms are more likely due to influenza but an abundance of caution should always be taken with any type of respiratory illness.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
      • Fever
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

There is currently no vaccine available for COVID-19 and the best way to avoid infection is to prevent exposure to the virus.

PREVENTION

Per the CDC, the best ways to prevent exposure include:
      • Practice social distancing - avoid close contact with others and from attending gatherings, events or places of business with groups of 10 or more present.
      • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
      • Stay home when you are sick.
      • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
      • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
      • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after
         blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.