Shortage Of Re-Agent Slowing Turnaround Of Coronavirus Testing

The turnaround time for receiving the results of coronavirus testing in Lamar and some other East Texas counties is longer than had been hoped. Currently, the lab in Tyler, which is region 4 and 5 for the state of Texas is unable to take specimens due to a shortage in re-agent. The Tyler lab is where Health Departments in our region send specimens for testing which has an approximate 24-hour turnaround and is run at no charge. Private physicians, hospitals and free-standing emergency departments can still send specimens to private labs for testing. Some private labs are experiencing a longer turnaround time, differing fees and shortage of supplies.