Roche Diagnostics in Indianapolis has begun shipping its test kits for the virus that causes COVID-19. The company says the delivery of the initial 400,000 test kits will be completed this week to laboratory testing sites throughout the country with many more on the way.
The company says it plans to ship an additional 400,000 test kits per week to sites across the U.S.
The company adds the test can only be ordered by a medical professional, so individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are being encouraged to contact their healthcare provider for evaluation. Roche says it consulted with government agencies to ensure labs with the broadest geographic reach and highest patient impact received priority distribution.
As the number of test kits increases, the number of positive cases will increase as well. This is expected according to experts.
