Coronavirus: Premier Health, CompuNet increase COVID-19 testing capabilities

DAYTON — Premier Health and partner CompuNet laboratories will expand COVID-19 testing capabilities from 100 tests per day to 1,500 tests per day starting next week.

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The new testing capabilities will also mean quicker turnaround times for results, with results expected in less that 24 hours in most cases, a Premier Health spokesperson said in a media release Friday.

Premier and CompuNet will continue to administer tests on a prioritized basis for individuals, based on the guidance from state of Ohio officials. However Premier and CompuNet officials believe the expanded testing numbers will serve as a regional resource and will be key to conserve Personal Protective Equipment used by healthcare workers and others returning to work.

“With this new robust platform, CompuNet will no longer face potential factors that can limit its COVID-19 testing, such as availability of reagent and swabs,” Dr. Atef Shrit, pathologist and chairman of CompuNet’s board of directors said in the media release. “We have received assurances that we will have the testing supplies needed to support the community’s needs.”

In addition to faster COVID-19 testing, results, CompuNet anticipates quicker results for specimen tests for antibodies, officials said.

Premier Health also announced that all in-patient admissions they make at their health facilities, including surgeries or someone just experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will receive a test. Outpatient procedures will be subject to normal hospital screening, not a COVID-19 test.

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