UNLV Medicine, the School of Medicine's clinical arm, began curbside testing for coronavirus on Tuesday morning.
Testing is open to the public, though only those who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and pass phone screening will be tested. Those seeking treatment can call (702) 583-4408 between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday to determine if they require testing. If screening indicates the need for testing, individuals will be scheduled for the drive-through screening appointment.
Screening entails the current CDC guidelines for coronavirus including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Emergency symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include persistent chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, and bluish color to the lips or face.
Not only will UNLV be helping in the worldwide effort to beat back the coronavirus, but it's also a teaching opportunity for the school's third-year students, the inaugural class of the UNLV School of Medicine's students. The school was launched by UNLV to improve access to medical care for Nevada citizens.
The students are volunteering to do telephone screening, said Dr. Neil Haycocks, the school's interim vice dean of academic affairs and education."Because of where they are in their learning and because they have access to the ... medical record system, they're eligible to come do that."
The clinic will be testing from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday for those who have an appointment. After screening, patients will go to the drive-through facility at 1125 Shadow Lane to receive the nasal swab. Test results will be delivered in 5-7 days, at no cost to the patient.
UNLV Medicine currently has 1,400 testing kits available, which necessitates the screening process to make sure those most in need are the ones to receive tests. The school projects being able to provide the service for the next 1-2 weeks. All results, positive and negative, will be reported to the Southern Nevada Health District.
