Rapid COVID-19 Testing Will Soon Be Available Locally- Testing Must Still be Ordered by Medical Provider

Posted: April 16, 2020

April 16, 2020

CONTACT:  Erin Berns at Veterans Memorial Hospital  568-3411

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rapid COVID-19 Testing Will Soon Be Available Locally-

Testing Must Still be Ordered by Medical Provider

Waukon is one of the cities in Iowa that has received the Abbott ID Now instrument for rapid COVID-19 testing from the State of Iowa.  Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon received the machine because testing is not widely available in this area.  This machine will soon be used for testing in long term care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care facilities within a 30 mile radius of Waukon.  These tests must still be ordered by a provider or the State Epidemiologist.

These tests are designated to be used for high priority specimens requiring rapid result and when action will be taken based on the results in these facilities.  At this time, this machine will not be used for any other reason than testing at the above facilities.  The current COVID-19 tests for people outside of these facilities are still sent to the State of Iowa or Gundersen Health Center for results.

Veterans Memorial Hospital Laboratory staff is trained and ready to do rapid testing by direction from the State of Iowa.

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