Johnson Memorial Health Services follows the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 testing.
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested. Talk to your health care provider.
- In general, people who do not have symptoms should not be tested for COVID-19. However, public health may recommend that people who do not have symptoms get tested in certain situations. These could include:
- People who are told by public health workers that they were in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 or are connected to a setting where an outbreak is occurring.
- Before certain medical procedures.
For more information visit Should I Get Tested for COVID-19? Minnesota’s screening tool to help you determine if you should be tested for COVID-19.
JMHS offers COVID-19 testing to anyone requesting to be tested. We have set up processes for testing that will limit exposure. Testing protocols have been developed by JMHS’ COVID-19 Infection Prevention Team under the recommendations provided by MDH and CDC.
Symptomatic Testing for Covid-19:
- Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, congestion, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after you are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms, and some people may not have any symptoms.
- Call the COVID Triage Hotline at 320-312-2155. A nurse will ask you several questions before determining if you need to be seen in the ER immediately or will assist in scheduling you an appointment in the Respiratory Clinic.
Asymptomatic Testing for Covid-19:
- Test 5-7 days after LAST KNOWN CONTACT with positive patient.
- Monday thru Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Call the receptionist at 320-769-4323 to schedule a test collection.
IMPORTANT: While we understand you may want to come to your local clinic, we are asking you call 320-312-2155 before arriving at JMHS to conduct this screening process and also protect patients, residents, tenants, and staff.
Based on the severity of your symptoms, your provider may ask you to stay home and isolate yourself. Please follow these recommendations MDH Self-Isolation for Individuals Being Evaluated for CoVID-19
Respiratory drive-up clinic for pre-screened patients
JMHS is offering curbside collection in the ER parking lot for patients with a scheduled appointment who have met pre-screening requirements. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness, or have concerns about possible exposure to COVID-19, call 320-312-2155 to speak with a health professional to ensure you are directed to the correct source of care.
Abbott ID Now
This molecular test is used for ill patients requiring hospitalization. A positive result confirms infection with COVID-19. A negative result does not mean the patient does not have COVID as you can still have the virus but not shed enough for detection. Turnaround time 20 minutes.
- Specimen Collection: Nasal swab from both nares.
SARS Coronavirus 2 RNA Detection (Mayo Test)
This PCR test uses RNA strands to detect infection and is more sensitive than the ID Now (molecular) test. Swab is sent to Mayo in Rochester with variable turnaround time. We have seen results come back as soon as 48 hours and up to 5 days depending on the number of cases in the state.
- Specimen Collection: Throat swab or nasopharyngeal swab
COVID-19/SARS CoV2 IgG Ab
This is a blood antibody test used to determine if you’ve had the Coronavirus. It is intended to be used as an aid to identify individuals who have an immune response, indicating recent or prior infection with COVID-19. It is unknown as to whether you are protected from a repeat infection if you’re positive with the antibodies. Testing is only recommended in individuals at least 10 days post-symptom onset or following exposure to individuals with confirmed COVID-19. This test is available during regular clinic hours. Please call your primary care provider at 320-769-4393 if you are interested in being tested.
Following current Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines, JMHS is only able to provide COVID-19 testing to hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and communal living residents (i.e. Care Center residents). Currently, we are screening patients for influenza who have upper respiratory symptoms that fit COVID-19 screening criteria. The cost of this screening and any other medical treatment associated would follow an individual’s active health insurance coverage. Please check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage for your plan details.
