Early COVID-19 tests completed at University of Idaho’s new testing site are being processed by a private lab used by Gritman Medical Center, according to an email sent to UI faculty, staff and students today.
“This early testing is important not only for the results, but also in streamlining our processes,” Special Assistant to the President Toni Broyles stated in the email. “We conveyed our own analysis lab would not quite be ready by the time swabbing began, but by separating the two processes, we were able to focus on perfecting the swabbing collection process before the volume of testing increases.”
Results from these early tests will be sent throughout the remainder of this week, according to UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker. Originally, UI President C. Scott Green and Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Torrey Lawrence both repeatedly emphasized all COVID-19 testing results would be available within 24-48 hours.
Broyles said the UI lab is finishing getting its analysis equipment approved. The email did not specify which testing dates were considered early or when the UI lab would be operational.
At the time the email was sent, over 1,000 Moscow-based UI students and employees had been swabbed. Broyles stated the goal is to test “more than 10,000 people in an effort to reopen campus in as safe and responsible manner as possible.”
This article has been updated to clarify details from the original email.
Lex Miller can be reached at [email protected]