Same day COVID-19 in-patient testing at BRH

The Laboratory at Bartlett Regional Hospital has expanded same day testing of COVID-19 to 24 hours per day. Due to limitations in supply, same day testing is currently only offered to in-patients. “This is really good news for Bartlett and for Juneau because we’ll know within an hour or two the result,” said Infection Preventionist Charlee Gribbon, RN. She notes that the test only reflects a moment in time. “It tells at that point the amount of viral particles in the nose. It doesn’t tell us if you have an undetectable tiny amount or if you have been exposed and you’re going to get COVID-19 in the future.”

Public testing is available through the Capital City Fire/Rescue collection center, with test results available in 48-72 hours. To see about getting tested, contact your health care provider or call the Screening Hotline at 586-6000, now open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

This week Bartlett is resuming some elective surgeries and essential services in compliance with state Health Mandate 15. Patients are tested for COVID-19 at the CCFR site 48 hours prior to surgery and then given special instructions to avoid possible exposure to the virus. If test results do not arrive before the scheduled surgery, patients will receive a test at Bartlett.

In any case, Gribbon emphasizes the importance of getting tested, even if you have mild symptoms, which can include cough, chills, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, diminished sense of taste or smell, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle/joint aches, nausea, rash, chills with shivering, runny nose, sore throat, or increased sputum (phlegm) production.

“The symptoms that signify you have respiratory illness are much more specific to this disease. Those are -shortness of breath, feeling fatigued like you don’t have enough oxygen, cough and fever. If you have these symptoms, get tested,” Gribbon emphasized.
If you have any symptoms related to COVID-19, please contact your health care provider or call the Screening Hotline at 586-6000, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Emory University’s Coronavirus Checker online screening tool is also available on the Bartlett Regional Hospital home page.

For more information, contact BRH Infection Preventionist Charlee Gribbon at [email protected] or 907-796-8413.