We’ve put together some testing facts to answer any questions you may have. 

Why was I told that I could not be tested?

Adena follows Ohio Department of Health (ODH) testing criteria for COVID-19. Your symptoms and/or condition did not meet the testing criteria set by the ODH. 

What is ODH’s testing criteria?

To be tested, you need to have:

  • Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (such as coughing or shortness of breath) and are either a health care worker with direct patient care, or in a public safety occupation (such as law enforcement, fire fighter or EMS) and have had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset.

  • Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough or short of breath) and are a resident of a long-term care facility and are hospitalized.

  • Fever with severe acute lower respiratory illness (such as pneumonia or ARDS as evidenced by imaging) and are hospitalized and the health care provider has high clinical suspicion of COVID-19 after thorough evaluation (with no alternative plausible diagnosis).

  • Other special circumstances where there is a requirement for prompt receipt of results, such as being part of an illness cluster in a facility or group (such as health care or corrections).

What if I believe I have some of the symptoms for COVID-19, but not all included in the criteria?

You may be ill, but not meet the ODH testing criteria. Some symptoms of Coronavirus can be similar to a cold, flu or other common viral illnesses. As with any illness, if symptoms are not severe you should stay home and treat your illness as you normally would.

You can also call Adena’s COVID-19 Hotline at 740-542-SAFE (7233) for a verbal screening.

If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a severe headache or other potentially life-threatening problems, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Please notify the 911 dispatcher or the emergency department of your COVID symptoms prior to arrival.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

To learn more about COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s testing criteria, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

COVID-19 Testing Facts