Testing Criteria

March 21, 2020

The availability of timely and accessible testing continues to be a concern. To preserve supplies so that we can best serve those in need, Central Maine Healthcare is using the following criteria to determine who will be tested for COVID-­‐19:

At least one of the following is present, potentially attributable to a respiratory viral illness:

1. Fever
2. Sore Throat
3. Cough
4. Shortness of Breath
5. Muscle Aches

And at least one of the following:

1. Inpatients
2. Emergency department patient requiring admission
3. High risk patients*
4. Health care workers and first responders

*High Risk is defined as:

1. Age ≥ 60
2. Severe chronic lung disease (e.g. asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD, etc.)
3. Severe heart disease
4. Immunocompromised (those with weakened immune systems)
5. On immunocompromising medications (e.g. prednisone, chemotherapy, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, TNF inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, etc.)
6.  Living in a congregate setting (e.g. long-­‐term care facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities, jails, shelters, etc.)