Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Q&A with Dorothy Adcock, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer, Labcorp Diagnostics

It’s been a busy few weeks for you and the medical and quality teams at Labcorp, with COVID-19 being at the center.

What can you tell patients about this pandemic from your perspective as the Chief Medical Officer for Labcorp Diagnostics?

First of all, we have an incredible group of talented scientists, medical professionals and technologists that have poured all of their energies into helping Americans deal with this novel coronavirus.

While we’re doing our part, we want our patients to do theirs as well. Together, we can reduce the spread of the virus. Wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing. It’s also important that you continue to keep up with your own mental and physical health. These simple practices will help all of you and your communities.

Are Labcorp patient service centers still collecting samples for routine bloodwork?

Yes, and those routine tests and bloodwork appointments are so important to keep for good overall health. If you are being followed by a healthcare provider for a specific condition, it is still important for you to continue to have laboratory testing during this time.

We perform and analyze hundreds of thousands of tests a day to diagnose, monitor and treat a wide range of health conditions. To find the nearest Labcorp location and hours of operation, visit our Labs and Appointments page.

While Labcorp is performing the testing for the novel coronavirus in our laboratories across the country, we are not collecting samples for COVID-19 in Labcorp patient service centers. People who feel they have symptoms should contact their healthcare provider first; he or she will order testing if appropriate.

What accommodations has Labcorp made for patients during this unprecedented time?

We want our patients to feel as safe as possible when visiting one of our locations. We always hold our facilities to high standards of cleanliness and safety. Places including the check-in area, waiting rooms, bathrooms and hallways are disinfected frequently using disinfectants recommended by the U.S. government.

And, we are offering a number of ways to make it easier to visit. We offer electronic appointments scheduling, mobile check-in and our Patient App. With our ‘Wait Where You’re Comfortable’ program, simply give us your cell phone number and when your appointment is ready, we will text you to come inside.

If you’re 65 or older or have a vulnerable medical condition, we are setting aside the first business hour each day to serve you.

Many people continue to work – either in the field or at home – during this stressful and unprecedented time. How do to keep your mind and body rested and ready for the workday?

Labcorp employees are working long hours these days and doing everything we can do help our patients and employees through this crisis. I am following the same advice as everyone else. I practice social distancing, wash my hands a lot, and when possible, work remotely. I am doing my best to fit in regular exercise and get six to eight hours of sleep a night. We all need to keep up our health to help others. Plus, I stay connected with my family and friends. It’s amazing what FaceTime can do!

How can Labcorp patients stay informed about COVID-19 updates?

You can go to our website to make or change an appointment and check location hours. We also have a special website dedicated to COVID-19 updates. Also, I recommend the CDC website for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19.