Hewlett dentist offering access to COVID-19 test

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With testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus at a premium, given the number of tests available, the number of places administering them and available time slots, the Hewlett- and Oceanside-based dental practice of Drs. Ron Kaminer and Melissa Rosefeld, Smiles by Design, is offering tests through MicroGenDx, a Texas-based dental supplier and laboratory.

The test is quite simple, Kaminer explained. A person spits into a test tube, which is sent by FedEx to MicroGenDx, and in 24 to 36 hours the result is known. Kaminer said he used the test on himself, a family friend and two other people, and those two people tested positive.

MicroGenDx notes on its website that as of March 23, the lab had validated a test for the detection of the virus. “The [test] validation exceeds the minimum recommendations put forth by the Food and Drug Administration guidance policies and has been determined to be 100 percent specific, sensitive and accurate,” company officials state on the website, adding that the lab has been added to the FDA website as a resource for COVID-19 testing.

The test costs $225. Those who are interested can call Smiles by Design's Hewlett office at (516) 239-6204.