Beaumont Health Lab now processing a limited number of COVID-19 tests

Health system COVID-19 hotline staff expanded to meet demand

Beaumont Health has started processing a limited number of COVID-19 tests in its own laboratory. On-site processing allows doctors to have results in hours instead of days.

“We’re proud to have developed a mechanism to process tests within our health system. It typically takes months to do this and we did it in several days. Our lab team’s expertise has allowed us to serve our patients better during this pandemic,” said Dr. Barbara Ducatman, chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine for Beaumont Health. “However, we must conserve our testing supplies. That’s why we’re only processing our own tests for certain patients who meet COVID-19 testing criteria and are admitted to our hospitals or are receiving treatment in one of our emergency centers.”

COVID-19 hotline update

Due to a high volume of calls, Beaumont has increased its staffing of its COVID-19 hotline. Patients should only call the hotline if they have COVID-19 symptoms: fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Yesterday, March 16, the hotline received nearly 5,000 calls. The hotline: 800-592-4784 is in operation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Beaumont nurses and staff will answer questions about the virus and direct patients to the appropriate level of care including:

• Treating symptoms at home.
• Following up with a primary doctor.
• Seeking treatment at an urgent care or emergency center.

In addition, Beaumont plans to launch web-based screening for patients later this week.

Curbside screening now available at all 8 hospitals

All Beaumont hospitals are currently offering limited curbside screening and evaluation for COVID-19. Staff is evaluating hundreds of patients in their vehicles each day across its eight hospitals.

Curbside Screening Hours

• Dearborn, Royal Oak, Troy: 6 a.m. - 2 a.m.
• Grosse Pointe, Farmington Hills, Taylor, Trenton and Wayne: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

“This limited screening is only for patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. If medical staff determines a patient needs to be tested, a specimen will be collected,” said Dr. Nicholas Gilpin, Beaumont Health’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology. “Please try to call ahead to Beaumont’s COVID-19 hotline, 800-592-4784, or your physician’s office before attempting to get screened. Again, testing is not necessary for everyone. Some people can develop COVID-19 and not need to be officially tested since the treatment for less severe cases does not change. Most people who become infected with the disease will not experience complications and will recover. They will just need to go home, rest and take over the counter pain medication.”

Protecting patients and Beaumont caregivers

Beaumont hospitals are prepared to cohort patients who have COVID-19. This means if hospitals receive a large influx of patients, they will receive care on a unit dedicated to COVID-19. Precautionary measures are being taken to protect these patients and their caregivers by treating them in special units.

Other actions Beaumont has taken:

• Implementing visitor restrictions at all Beaumont hospitals.
• Reducing non-essential surgeries, as advised by the U.S. Surgeon General.
• Using a command center to ensure the entire Beaumont team can coordinate, share resources and communicate with each other.
• Communicating with state and federal health agencies and lawmakers regarding their efforts to help contain the virus and care for patients who become ill.
• Working together with other health systems in Michigan and around the country to share best practices and collaborate.
• Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and screening protocols while maintaining standard infection control best practices.
• Continuing to serve and care for the needs of all patients whether they are giving birth, needing surgery or requiring lifesaving emergency procedures.

How you can help stop the spread of COVID-19

• Stay home when you are sick (fever, cough, upper respiratory infection symptoms).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.