This browser does not support the Video element.
Embry Women’s Health asking some to get retested due to overwhelmed third party lab
Embry Women's Health, which has multiple drive-through testing sites across the valley, is telling some people they need to get retested due to a third party lab getting overwhelmed by the volume of tests.
PHOENIX - Thousands of people who were tested for COVID-19 in the last week are being asked to get retested because a lab processing test samples got overwhelmed.
Darcy Colacito reached out to us on Dec. 16, saying she had waited over a week for COVID-19 test results from Embry Women's Health.
On Dec. 17, she and many others received this text message:
"If you have an outstanding COVID-19 test prior to 12-13, you will need to be retested."
"In my own house, we're all wearing masks and all this extra time has passed when it shouldn't have taken that long," said Colacito.
Embry Health TestNOW's CEO Raymond Embry says roughly 10,000 patients were affected. A local lab was overwhelmed.
"They had not been giving us clear guidance. As of Monday, we were told the results were ready, and it was some type of reporting issue. Unfortunately, as the week progressed, it became more and more clear to us that there was something else wrong."
Embry is using some local labs and some out of state labs. They say the out of state labs are providing quicker turnaround times for test results in some cases. They're hopeful people impacted will return for a retest.
"Us being able to provid results is crucial. I want to ensure that those patients know they can trust us. That we take things very, very seriously," said Embry.
Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers
MAP: Arizona Coronavirus cases by zip code
_____
In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your 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.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- 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.
- Monitor your health daily
_____
Continuing coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic:
Half of Arizona counties seeing substantial virus spread
Weekly metrics released by the Arizona Department of Health Services listed eight counties in southern and eastern Arizona, including Pima, with a substantial number of cases.
Pima County health director tests positive for COVID-19 amid outbreak within department
Pima County said testing is being offered to all employees who worked at the building on East Ajo Way in Tucson. The staff is also being moved to alternative locations or they will work from home.
Valley school districts work to decide how to move forward in pandemic
Arizona school districts are working to find solutions to online and in-person learning as families navigate the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic.