Rapid coronavirus testing now available at JPS Hospital in Fort Worth
John Peter Smith Hospital is now processing its COVID-19 tests, which will help reduce the time for results from several days to about an hour, the hospital said on Wednesday.
“This is a tremendous win for our community,” Robert Earley, president and CEO of JPS Health Network, said in a news release. “Our patients need this, and the cooperation that has made this possible is civic duty at its best. I think everyone realizes what’s at stake and is eager to be a part of the solution.”
Rapid testing capabilities at JPS now include the Cepheid COVID-19 RT-PCR test, the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19-Molecular test, and the OrientGene Biotech AB test.
The hospital has also partnered with Texas Health Resources and Cook Children’s Medical Center to combine manpower and resources, a news release said.
Texas Health Resources has committed to sharing its supply of testing materials, which have been rationed by the state of Texas. Meanwhile, Cook Children’s has helped process testing for JPS when the hospital’s lab is at capacity.
JPS Medical Staff Vice President Dr. Janet Miles, who oversees laboratory operations at the health network, said availability of test kits remains limited across the United States.
“We’re going to keep doing everything we can to do our best for our patients, our team members and our families,” Miles said. “Having rapid testing capabilities is a big, important step forward.”
The process to get tested is still the same. People looking to get tested must exhibit symptoms of coronavirus and call their doctor.
As of Wednesday morning, 75 samples taken at the hospital have tested positive, 518 were negative and 30 tests are pending.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 11:40 AM.
