California not tracking results from private labs?

[pat_k]

Here's an article that may be helpful on testing in each state.

Coronavirus testing: Information on COVID-19 tests according to state health departments

One thing that caught my eye:

As of March 13, California had 18 public health labs testing for coronavirus, with three more expected to be offering tests by next week. There are some private labs testing as well, though the state is not tracking their testing data.

Why aren't they tracking testing from private labs? I wonder if others states aren't tracking testing from non-pubic health labs?

Good that people are finding out their status, but testing, without out tracking, sort of defeats a part of the purpose (data that enables better estimates of rates and distribution).

I am also waiting to see actual numbers of people tested relative to positive cases. Why aren't we getting this information?

Or if we are, and I'm just not finding it, please point me to where it can be found.

[mshasta]

1. Not even testing

Got a throat infection with fever and headaches , my doctor didn’t send me to do a covid test , this is part of the shutter hospital group in Sacramento they said because Im not a candidate , I flew back from Arizona on feb the 26 but they said not part of international travel therefore not qualified for test.
I force my self quarantine. My case will not be reported.

[pat_k]

2. I just want to scream.

Why are they testing if not to get general data on actual rates and distribution?

There is so much speculation that could be addressed with more widespread testing. We don't know how many asymptotic people are incubating (and spreading) the virus. Don't know the actual mortality rate because of that. Don't know a ton of things that we can answer with some concrete data.

Even if the public health labs in our counties must "ration" limited numbers of tests, they would still get a ton of information by selecting small sample populations, test everybody who agrees in the sample, and see what we come up with.

Statistical analysis is not fucking rocket science. There are many, many, companies equipped to ID relatively small, random samples in specified geographic areas. They are set up with phone banks. Get them into the game. Get some numbers on asymptotic positives. Keep track of how many go on to develop symptoms.

Unlike all the other pollsters who call every month or so, I'd be thrilled to get a call to participate in a "testing" pool.

And why haven't we heard about any sampling in other countries who do have more comprehensive testing programs on the ground??

How the hell can we actually prepare and plan with so little information.

Sorry to go on and on, but I get so angry.

I am so sick of hearing about having to prepare for worst case scenarios everywhere. Maybe "worse case" is unlikely to play out in some regions. Wouldn't it be nice to know????.

[crickets]

3. Preach it. I agree with you. nt

[mshasta]

6. let all out...is ok

I have so much to say too, good thing California is reducing people at restaurants and bars will be closed
what is getting me so worry is all those people in the service industry ...no benefits, no income, ...shit show

[displacedtexan]

4. Your link shows several states with private labs.

Nowhere does it say they won't be reporting their findings.

[pat_k]

5. See excerpt in post from CA

In particular "There are some private labs testing as well, though the state is not tracking their testing data."