Covid 19

Chicago Neuroscience Institute

How The institute is handling Covid-19

Covid-19 can lead to neurological and cardiovascular complications and in highly vulnerable individuals result in death. The Chicago Neuroscience Institute (CNI) provides hope and opportunity to patients at risk. The health and well-being of our patients and our team is our highest priority. (CNI) is committed to complying with guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help create a safe work environment and a safe clinical setting for patients. In addition, to better serve our patients, CNI has implemented a variety of specialty services to assist those at risk for acquiring COVID-19, those who have been exposed to individuals with COVID-19, and for those who have recovered from COVID 19. CNI offers its patients specialized testing onsite and through its laboratory affiliations. Available immunological testing falls into three primary categories which are:

Testing for Immune Integrity and Resilience
Testing for COVID-19 Infection
Testing for COVID-19 Antibodies

CNI offers telehealth services to provide phone or computer-based remote evaluation and guidance for patients unable to travel and for those who might place others or themselves at risk by visiting a healthcare facility. Telehealth services can be used to assess risk and order, as well as, review laboratory results with patients. CNI has expanded its staff to include a registered dietitian(s) who can help individuals address dietary and lifestyle risk factors, as well as, conditions which increase vulnerability for developing complications with a COVID-19 infection. These conditions include hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The dietitian’s role is to serve as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team approach. CNI has implemented a diagnostic profile consisting of safe and objective tests to assess the risk for complications with Covid-19.

CNI staff reviews all test results and recommendations with the patient. With proper authorization, tests results are shared with other attending healthcare provider(s), thus supporting a collaborative team approach.

Access Covid-19 Quick Links

Covid-19 Laboratory Tests

The Chicago Neuroscience Institute (CNI) currently offers several COVID-19 tests through its laboratory affiliations to help identify if individuals are infected or may have been infected with coronavirus. The information below was developed to help you determine which test is right for you. It is important to consult with your attending healthcare provider to confirm which test or tests are most appropriate.

Testing for Immune Integrity and Resilience

Priority should be placed on prevention. The response of an individual’s immune system is the first line of defense against infection. An induvial can have a compromised immune system without knowing it. A deficient immune response or an exaggerated response to infection can lead to complications. The health and integrity of the immune system is reliant upon many interdependent factors such as overall health, the level and pattern of white blood cells, antibody levels and the function of other elements of the immune system. With the assistance of pathology consultants, CNI has identified tests which can be used to help assess immune system health, the potential for adequate immune resilience, and vulnerability to infection. In addition to assessing immune system integrity, lab studies can be used to identify risk factors such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, immunosuppression, and autoimmune disease

Testing for COVID-19 Infection

CNI offers COVID-19 PCR testing (COVID-19 swab test) through its laboratory affiliations. This type of COVID-19 test is for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms or meet the testing criteria established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Patients with a history suggestive of active infection may be sent to another location for testing. This status is typically established by phone or telehealth (virtual) appointment prior an on-site visit.

Testing for COVID-19 Antibodies

Serology testing, also known as coronavirus antibody testing, is used to assess different types of antibodies developed after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This type of testing is for individuals who think they may have previously had COVID-19 and do not currently have symptoms. CNI offers patients the COVID-19 IgG antibody test as a screening for prior exposure. The appointment and prescription for the testing can be performed in person or through remote CNI telehealth services.

The SARS-CoV-2 Antibody, IgG test helps identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Serologic results should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude recent infection. This test is recommended in individuals at least 10 days post symptom onset or following exposure to individuals with confirmed COVID-19. An elevated COVID-19 IgG antibody level suggests immunity to reinfection for an undefined period. It does not guarantee immunity to reinfection based on current knowledge at this time.

Covid 19 Resources

Covid-19 Risk Assessment Profile

CNI currently offers a Covid-19 Risk Assessment Profile to empower patients and their healthcare providers to implement a preventive and preemptive approach during this pandemic. An appropriate objective evaluation can identify modifiable risk factors which can be addressed to improve health, improve immune resilience, and potentially reduce the risk for developing short and/or long-term complications of Covid-19. The CCP can be used to assess risk for complications prior to Covid-19. The diagnostic profile can also be used after presumed Covid-19 recovery to evaluate for post-infectious complications which could be subtle in some cases.

Some individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for developing complications with Covid-19 infection. Conditions which increase risk include obesity, autoimmune disease, and diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, clotting disorders, and lung disease. Laboratory risk factors include abnormal blood glucose levels, elevated inflammatory markers, elevated biomarkers of tissue damage, abnormal blood clotting values, and abnormal lymphocyte levels.

Testing for Complication Risk

CNI offers a specialized diagnostic profile to assess risk for complications with Covid-19 infection. The same profile can also be used to evaluate for post-infectious complications and to help monitor short, as well as, long-term recovery. The elements of the evidence-based diagnostic profile will be modified based on emerging knowledge and research. The approach is meant to complement primary care and an appropriate history and physical examination. With proper authorization, test results will be forwarded to the patient’s primary care physician and/or specialists

Covid-19 Resources