Delays in COVID-19 test results cause anxiety, confusion in process

Thousands of Long Island residents who have been tested for COVID-19 have been left confused and unsure of how to find out if they tested positive for the virus.

News 12 Staff

Mar 26, 2020, 10:37 PM

Updated 1,501 days ago

Share:

Thousands of Long Island residents who have been tested for COVID-19 have been left confused and unsure of how to find out if they tested positive for the virus.
George Drapman says he was tested for the coronavirus at Jones Beach nine days ago. As of Thursday morning, he still had no results -- but he's just one of many who have called News 12 frustrated about the wait.
"They said I would receive the results in three to four business days through the mail," says Drapman. "After the time had lapsed, I decided to call the state number and they referred me, because it was done at Jones Beach. They referred me to the Nassau County Department of Health."
Drapman says he called the state again, and they referred him to the county once more. The 67-year-old, three-time cancer survivor says he's been quarantined away from his wife and three children since he was tested.
"It's very frustrating. It's causing a lot of anxiety because of my condition. I'm worried, I want to be sure," he says.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo says more than 103,000 people have been tested statewide as of Wednesday. Drapman says he read a news article that said people awaiting results after being tested at Jones Beach or Stony Brook University could call BioReference Laboratories at 1-800-229-5227.
Drapman called the number up, and in a few short minutes he learned his results were negative. He says he's relieved, but feels something isn't right with the process.
State Department of Health spokeswoman Jill Montag said in an email that those who go through state-run drive-through sites can receive results by phone, fax or via the website for New Jersey-based BioReference Laboratories, which is testing respiratory samples.
 


More from News 12
2:14
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

1:39
Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

Morning rains before cloudy, warm Monday afternoon for Long Island

1:53
Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Long Island's Jewish communities pause and reflect on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

Long Island National Teacher Appreciation Week Photos

1:34
2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

2nd annual Long Island Jewish Film Festival celebrated at Cinema Arts Center in Huntington

0:23
Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

Suffolk police: Pedestrian struck, killed by car in Copiague

0:50
Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

Hundreds of athletes compete in Special Olympics New York Spring Games at Plainedge High School

0:30
Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

Zibanejad has 2 goals and 1 assist, Panarin scores as Rangers beat Hurricanes 4-3 in Game 1

0:24
Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

Police: Huntington Station man critically injured in Dix Hills hit-and-run

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

2:06
New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

New guidance says women need to be screened for breast cancer at 40 or younger

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst