Sanford Health has launched a test for the COVID-19 virus, and will be able to test in-house at their laboratories in Sioux Falls.
According to a release, the testing method is FDA-approved under Emergency Use Authorization.
Tests will be available at all Sanford clinics and medical centers, and Sanford estimates they will be able to process nearly 400 tests per day, with the plan to double that capacity within weeks.
“This was a tremendous effort on the part of our team to rapidly validate and launch our own internal testing,” said Dr. Allison Suttle, chief medical officer for Sanford Health.
“Our testing will deliver faster results, enabling us to provide responsive care and keep our patients and staff safe.”
Sanford patients must still meet the criteria defined by the Centers for Disease Control, including having
- Active lower respiratory symptoms, which could include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and
- Contact with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, or
- Recent travel to a Level 3 country, as determined by the CDC. Level 3 countries include most of Europe, the British Isles, China and Iran.
Patients experiencing symptoms are encouraged to call their provider rather than directly going to the clinic.
Sanford also offers e-visits for COVID-19 care in Minnesota and the Dakotas.
