Coronavirus

Centennial State Laboratory (CSL) now offers the SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] testing by Real-time PCR utilizing a CDC approved definitive confirmatory assay. 

Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19, is the name for the respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus, which has infected and caused deaths of thousands of people worldwide originated in Wuhan City, China. Additional cases have now been reported in the United States. An infection with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 are evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

CSL now offers the SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] testing by Real-time PCR utilizing a CDC approved definitive confirmatory assay.

  • Nasopharyngeal swap specimen collection for pediatric or adult use
  • Specimens do not need to be refrigerated but must be shipped with in 48 hours of collection. Specimens should never be frozen or heated above 110 degrees Fahrenheit
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common signs of infection may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath & breathing difficulties

In severe cases, infection can cause:

  • Pneumonia
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome
  • Kidney failure
  • Death

People with heart and lung disease, weakened immune systems, and older adults or at higher risk for lower respiratory tract illness.

How is COVID-19 spread?

This virus is spread person-to-person by someone who is currently sick with COVID-19 through:

  • Respiratory droplets produce while coughing and sneezing
  • Close personal contact (I. E., Within about 6 feet)
  • Touching and shaking hands

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not reported to be the primary way the virus spreads.