At Saint George Hospital University Medical Center (SGHUMC) in Lebanon, we formed the SGHUMC COVID-19 response team and carefully reviewed existing evidence and management strategies. We opted for an early detection approach. We test all incoming patients with an acute respiratory or febrile illness and/or known exposure for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, trace their contacts, and perform prompt chest CT scan imaging as indicated. In addition to COVID-19 testing, we also test for other pathogens using Biofire FilmArray Respiratoy 2 Panel (BioMerieux, France).
All diagnostic results are obtained within 24 hours limit.
We receive patients through our usual Emergency Room and Corona Clinic. Non-urgent visits and follow up testing can be arranged through our Corona Call Center.
Our experience in early patient tracing, testing, chest imaging, and treatment of COVID-19 of mild, moderate, and severe pneumonia with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin resulted in a 95% success rate with no mortality.
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