(Spencer)– Spencer Hospital is one of 13 sites in Iowa to receive an Abbott ID Now analyzer that allows for a rapid COVID-19 test to be performed locally.
Jordan Reed, Spencer Hospital Laboratory Director, says whenever the hospital receives a request for a COVID-19 test, the request will be reviewed by a team of hospital staff and physicians to determine the most appropriate testing method. He says the process will help appropriately use medical testing supplies as well as protect healthcare staff and conserve resources such as personal protective equipment.
The Abbott analyzer uses a rapid molecular test that can provide positive results within 5 minutes and negative results within 13 minutes.
The new method of testing was provided to Spencer Hospital and other hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the state by the State Hygienic Lab and Iowa Department of Public Health. The sites where the machines were distributed were determined by proximity to testing, population of the elderly, the number of long term care facilities in the area, hospital capacity and healthcare service area.
