The number of patients tested for Zika in May reached levels comparable to August 2016 — the peak of Zika anxiety in the U.S. — according to an analysis by athenahealth.
During the first 14 weeks of 2017, researchers noted an average of 235 Zika tests performed per week across the country, according to an investigation of medical practices on the athenahealth network. However, as of May 12, athenahealth identified an average of 322 Zika tests per week, a nationwide increase of 37 percent.
Athenahealth researchers speculated one potential driver of testing growth may be updated CDC guidelines. The CDC expanded its Zika recommendations May 8, saying all pregnant women who may have been exposed to the virus should undergo two different types of Zika tests. The CDC also suggested all women who plan to become pregnant undergo testing before pregnancy to establish a baseline sample of Zika antibodies.
Click here to view the full analysis.