INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health is making several changes to testing operations due to high demand and a national shortage of rapid test kits.
Rapid tests at state and local health department testing sites will only be available to individuals aged 18 and younger and symptomatic individuals aged 50 and older. This change is necessary due to the national shortage of rapid antigen tests and is designed to help ensure that students can stay in school and that Hoosiers who are most likely to need a monoclonal antibody are identified within the prescribed window in which they can be administered.
The Montgomery County Health Department reports it has been out of rapid tests for the past two weeks. A statement on social media indicates “if and when we receive new inventory we will adhere to the new protocol.”
Indiana typically uses about 50,000 rapid tests per week but is only guaranteed to receive 11,000 a week at this time.
PCR tests, which are the gold standard, will continue to be offered at all testing sites, with results expected in two to three days.
Visit www.coronavirus.in.gov to find a testing location. Visit ourshot.in.gov to find a vaccination site.
