Hundreds of DCH test specimens couldn’t be tested

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Officials said Friday that nearly half of the samples collected at the DCH Regional Medical Center’s coronavirus testing site were either unable to be tested or spoiled while being transported to a lab in Montgomery.

Citing the Alabama Department of Public Health, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said 1,043 samples have been sent to the lab during the last four days.

Of those, 528 swab and sputum specimens were either insufficient for testing or weren’t kept cool during transport, according to DCH.

There were 475 samples still being processed Friday, Maddox said.

“Although everyone is pouring their hearts and souls into this, its disappointing,” he said in a tweet. “We must all learn quickly and we must all do better for @tuscaloosacity and our state.”

DCH System spokesman Andy North addressed the issue in a Facebook group dedicated to sharing COVID-19 information.

“Methods to correct this have already been put in place and continue to evolve as feedback comes in,” he said.

DCH canceled screenings Friday and over the weekend due to storms in the weather forecast. Testing will resume in the large parking lot near the laundry facility at 8 a.m. Monday.

As of Friday, four cases had been confirmed in Tuscaloosa County.

Although everyone is pouring their hearts and souls into this, its disappointing. We must all learn quickly and we must all do better for @tuscaloosacity and our state.

— Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) March 20, 2020

Hopefully, the 475 waiting to be processed will be done soon. But, as @WaltMaddox said, we have to do better. There is too much at stake. https://t.co/58NfFJxTnQ

— Chris England (@RepEngland70) March 20, 2020

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