Sanford Health deploys COVID-19 mobile testing lab
Contact:
Shawn Neisteadt
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / shawn.neisteadt@sanfordhealth.org
@SanfordShawnN
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., May 8, 2020 — The latest tool against the novel coronavirus pandemic is being used today. A mobile testing laboratory for COVID-19 from Sanford Health administers and processes tests in emerging high-need areas.
The mobile testing unit is equipped with the laboratory technologies to process COVID-19 tests on-site, with results completed in one hour. The unit can be deployed to potential hot spots to expedite testing and results, which has proven to give health officials an advantage in containing the spread of the illness.
“Getting this testing unit created and properly outfitted in the latest of laboratory technologies in such a short amount of time has been a tremendous undertaking,” said Rochelle Odenbrett, senior executive director for Sanford Laboratories. “Testing and timely results are a huge part of the fight against COVID-19, and we’re glad to have this new advancement.”
The first usage of the mobile laboratory is May 8 at Sanford Worthington Clinic in Minnesota, where more than 100 local residents who work with the older adults population will be tested for COVID-19.
Equipping the truck was done in conjunction with Cepheid, a molecular diagnostics company. The truck will also serve as a mobile phlebotomy unit, where samples for antibody tests will be collected, to help determine if individuals have previously had COVID-19.
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 44 hospitals, 1,400 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and nine countries. Nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford have transformed how Sanford Health improves the human condition.
