AdventHealth had been providing free testing for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) at locations in its West Florida Division but discontinued it because of issues with a third-party lab, according to a news release from AdventHealth.
“To meet the unprecedented demand for COVID-19 testing, we rely on nationally accredited third-party labs to assist us. Unfortunately, one of these labs processing a significant number of our public tests has been unable to fulfill its obligation,” the health care provider said, in the release.
“AdventHealth has terminated its contract with this lab, and we share in the disappointment and frustration this situation has created. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and uncertainty it has caused.
“This issue impacts more than 8,000 people throughout AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This situation has created unacceptable delays, and we do not have confidence in the reliability of the tests. We are working diligently to notify and appropriately accommodate those who are impacted. They will be receiving a letter from us and may also receive a phone call.
The individuals fall into two categories:
- Those whose samples were processed, and whose results provided by the lab are not deemed reliable.
- Those whose samples are at the lab in question and are part of the backlog will not be tested; therefore, no result will be available.
AdventHealth has directed the lab to destroy those samples, in accordance with the law, the release says.
In the case of unreliable results, there were individuals with unreliable positive results, that will require retesting, AdventHealth says.
Also, Individuals with unreliable negative results who are symptomatic need to seek care and may require retesting.
Also, individuals with unreliable negative results who are asymptomatic but request to be retested will be offered testing pending availability, the health care provider adds.
Mike Schulz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida, addressed the issue in a statement: “It has been a privilege to serve our community during these unprecedented times, and we remain committed to our promise to keep you safe and provide the best care possible.
“We are taking ownership of these issues and are reaching out to the thousands of those who were impacted to help make it easy for them to understand the next step in their care,” he said.
Published May 20, 2020
