Gift of the Givers assists to curb Covid-19 testing backlog

As part of their contribution in helping to fight against Covid-19, the Gift of the Givers  have opened testing stations at the  Wits University Braamfontein Campus (Enoch Sontonga Road) to assist with the testing backlog.

What makes this process efficient is the 24-48 hours turnaround time to receive tests results.  Tests will be conducted in an NICD approved, SANAS accredited laboratory with feedback to the NICD electronically.

Information provided regarding testing process is as follows:

Who can be tested?

• Patients must fit the NICD case definition criteria and must have a doctor’s referral before testing. This reduces contamination risk and contact time in the best interests of all concerned.
• HPCSA rules require that the patient has to consult his/her OWN doctor if it’s a telephonic consultation or any doctor if it’s a face-to-face consultation.

Cost

• The COVID19 PCR testing costs R750

Bookings and operating times

• Testing is strictly by appointment only
• Bookings: Call the toll-free number on 0800 786 911
• Operating times:Monday – Friday: 07:45 – 17:00

Gift of the Givers manages the testing station, while Mullah Laboratories co-ordinates the sites and reports to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and provides results to the referring doctor.

“This is an initiative to assist with the national testing backlog. The more people who test, the better for all of us. You can get tested at public facilities but it takes longer to get a result”, said Shirona Patel, Wits University spokesperson.