Newsy Investigation: Frustrated Labs Explain Untapped Testing Capacity

The video discusses the current state of coronavirus testing in the U.S., highlighting the gap between existing lab capacities and actual testing numbers. It features a visit to Pyramix Laboratory, which, like many others, is underutilized due to unclear guidelines and logistical issues. Various labs report challenges such as insurance preferences, supply shortages, and organizational hurdles. The video also covers the government's mass testing plans, which aim to increase testing to meet Harvard's recommended levels, though current targets are not being met in many states.

What is one of the main reasons for unused COVID-19 tests at the Pyramix laboratory?

• Limited laboratory staff

• High cost of tests

• Shortage of testing kits

• Lack of demand due to unclear guidelines

Which issue is NOT mentioned as a challenge faced by labs in the second section?

• Lack of trained personnel

• Global shortage of nasal swabs

• Insurance plans favoring larger labs

• Waiting on local governments to scale up testing

What shift in testing strategy is suggested by Ivan Maldonado at Stanford?

• Mass testing of people without symptoms

• Focusing only on symptomatic individuals

• Testing only healthcare workers

• Reducing the number of tests conducted

What does the White House's mass testing blueprint leave to the states?

• The option to ignore federal guidelines

• The responsibility to make their own testing plans

• The decision to close testing labs

• The choice to stop testing altogether

According to a White House official, what is the federal government's minimum testing goal for states?

• 2% of a state's population each month

• 10% of a state's population each month

• 5% of a state's population each month

• 15% of a state's population each month