Article: The tests for coronavirus are currently not being distributed to hospitals or individual healthcare providers. If your doctor determines that you meet the criteria for testing, they will contact your local health department and will give you further instructions on when and where you should go for testing.  Be sure to arrive at the lab at the specified time. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there are no special pre-test instructions you have to follow. The primary tests for coronavirus are nasopharyngeal (nose) and oropharyngeal (throat) swabs. During these tests, try to hold as still as possible while the technician uses a swab to collect samples from both areas. While you might experience some discomfort, the test shouldn't be painful. The technician will have to hold the swabs at the back of your nose and throat for 5-10 seconds, which may feel slightly uncomfortable. If you have a productive cough, the lab may request a sputum sample. To provide this sample, first you'll rinse out your mouth with water, then you'll cough up a sample into a sterile collection cup. In rare cases, such as if you're experiencing severe respiratory distress, you may have a saline solution sprayed into your lungs in order to obtain a sputum sample. However, this is not common for people with only mild symptoms. Once you've provided the appropriate samples, the laboratory will package and ship your sample to the CDC or an approved lab overnight. The sample will then be tested, and you will be notified as soon as the results are available. The original lab may do initial testing to rule out another respiratory illness. If they determine you do have another condition, they may rule out coronavirus immediately, although these guidelines may change as more is learned about the disease. There's currently no treatment or cure for coronavirus. However, your doctor may recommend treatments to help relieve your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse, so be sure to follow their recommendations closely. If your symptoms become severe, such as if you experience severe difficulty breathing, your doctor may recommend that you be hospitalized so you can receive more intensive treatment. If you're ill, stay home except to go to your doctor, and try to stay isolated in a separate room from other family members. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue any time you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away.  Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and sanitize the surfaces in your home to avoid spreading germs to others. If you're sick, wear a face mask to avoid spreading the virus to others. However, do not rely on a face mask to keep you from getting sick if you're healthy.

What is a summary?
Visit the appropriate lab as directed by your doctor. Allow the technician to swab your nose and throat. Provide a sputum sample if it's requested. Wait for the test results. Follow the treatment plan advised by your doctor if you test positive. Take precautions to avoid spreading the illness.