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COVID Rapid Testing COVID-19

What Employees Need to Know

WHAT IS RECOMMENDED FOR BUSINESSES RIGHT NOW? 

  • OSHA suggests that employers consider adopting policies requiring workers to vaccinate or undergo regular COVID-19 testing.
  • Employees get tested regularly, especially in substantial or high community transmission areas.
      • Fully vaccinated people should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
  • People who are not fully vaccinated should be tested immediately after identifying a potential exposure and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
  • The CDC states that employees who become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 should leave the workplace.

WORKPLACE TESTING

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE RETURNING FROM TRAVEL

  1. Get tested for current infection with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arrival.
  2. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
  3. While there isn’t a mandatory quarantine period or mandatory post-travel testing for the unvaccinated, the CDC strongly advises a self-quarantine for up to 10 days. It’s possible to shorten the self-quarantine period by getting a post-travel test.
    1. The two self-quarantine guidelines depend on whether or not you get a post-travel test.
      1. Self-quarantine for 7 days and get a post-travel test between days 3 and 5.
      2. Self-quarantine for 10 days (if you skip the post-travel test) .
  4. If your test is positive or you develop COVID-19 Symptoms after traveling, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.

TESTING CAN IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY 

  • Employers might have been exposed to COVID-19 on their travels. They might feel well and not have any symptoms, but they can still be infected and spread the virus to others. Testing confirms that there is no spreading of the virus in the workplace after traveling.
  • All employers should remain alert to and informed about changing outbreak conditions, including as they relate to community spread of the virus and testing availability, and implement infection prevention and control measures accordingly.

TYPES OF TESTING OFFERED AT GS LABS:

COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TEST:

This test is administered with a nasal swab, and GS Labs uses the Indicard Rapid COVID-19 test, which allows results to come back in as little as 30 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). MOST insurance providers fully cover this test. 

COVID-19 STANDARD PCR TEST:

The PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those with no symptoms, because it detects the virus’s RNA (or genetic material). Results of the PCR test come back in 3-5 days.  MOST insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 RAPID PCR TEST (NAAT-PCR):

This NAAT-PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test’s Limit of Detection (LoD) is among the lowest measured for the FDA SARS-CoV-2 Reference Panel. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00. 

COVID-19 RAPID LAMP TEST (NAAT-LAMP) :

This NAAT-LAMP test is administered with a nasal swab.The Limit of Detection (LoD) is also among the lowest measured for the FDA SARS-CoV-2 Reference Panel. This test is very similar to PCR, differing only in the lack of temperature fluctuations in the testing process. GS Labs provides NAAT-LAMP results in 30 minutes. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00. 

COVID-19 RAPID & FLU ANTIGEN COMBINED TEST:

GS Labs offers one test to detect two contagious respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and Influenza. The COVID-19 Rapid & Flu Antigen Combined test detects COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B. This test is administered with a nasal swab and can provide results in as little as 20 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $199.00.

ABOUT GS LABS 

GS Labs Testing provides COVID-19 testing and peace of mind to multiple communities throughout the US. Our professional staff, including Registered Nurses on-site, are here to help make the COVID-19 testing process safe and simple to deliver your results as quickly as possible.

GS Labs’ rapid testing facilities are helping communities meet the needs and challenges of COVID-19 through employing hundreds of local staff and providing rapid COVID-19 testing services. Our goal is simple – easy scheduling, no-wait testing, and timely results.

HOW TESTING WORKS: 

Need Testing: gslabstesting.com

Keep the CDC last page with all the citations. 

LINKS TO FIND INFORMATION: https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT: https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws#:~:text=Employers%20may%20ask%20all%20employees,cough%2C%20and%20shortness%20of%20breath.

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html

Categories
COVID-19

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH NEW CDC GUIDELINES

WHAT SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND PARENTS NEED TO KNOW REGARDING COVID-19

INFORMATION AS OF AUGUST 12, 2022

WHAT IS THE UPDATED COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR SCHOOLS?

As of August 11, 2022, the CDC has removed the recommendation that kids in different classrooms avoid mixing, a practice known as “cohorting.” The CDC also removed advice that kids in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 take regular tests — and test negative — to remain in the classroom, which was known as “test-to-stay.” How can we keep ourselves and our families safe with the new guidelines?

President of the American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation’s largest teachers’ unions, Randi Weingarten told CNN, “COVID-19 and other viruses are still with us, but with multiple prevention and treatment options available, now is not the time for new mandates. Instead, let’s ensure these tools are available and accessible: vaccines, testing and masks (and no stigma for those who mask),”

Summary of the CDC’s Updated COVID-19 Prevention Strategies (full recommendations on CDC website):

  • Monitoring COVID-19 Community Levels to guide COVID-19 prevention efforts
  • Nonpharmaceutical interventions
  • Testing for current infection. Diagnostic testing can identify infections early so that infected persons can take action to reduce their risk of transmitting the virus and receive treatment, if clinically indicated, to reduce their risk for severe illness and death;
  • All persons should seek testing for active infection when they are symptomatic or if they have a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19;
  • When testing asymptomatic persons with no known exposure, public health officials might prioritize high-risk congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and workplace settings that include congregate housing with limited access to medical care. In these types of high-risk congregate environments, screening testing might complement diagnostic testing of symptomatic persons by identifying asymptomatic infected persons
  • When implemented, screening testing strategies should include all persons, irrespective of vaccination status. Screening testing might not be cost-effective in general community settings, especially if COVID-19 prevalence is low;
  • It’s no longer recommending that adults and children quarantine after having been exposed to COVID-19.
  • Managing SARS-CoV-2 exposures

WHAT TO DO WHEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER POSSIBLE EXPOSURE

The CDC suggests that those who are exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask around others indoors while monitoring for symptoms for ten days.

People should also test five days or sooner after exposure if experiencing symptoms. The guidance is the same for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT TESTING

School administrators will need to assess whether current pandemic circumstances and individual school circumstances justify viral screening testing of students to prevent transmission of COVID-19 in schools.

If a school seeks to implement student/staff screening testing, such testing must meet the CDC standards based on relevant facts. Possible considerations in making the assessment may include the level of community transmission, the vaccination status of students, the accuracy and speed of processing for different types of COVID-19 viral tests, the degree to which breakthrough infections are possible for students who are “up to date” on vaccinations, the ease of transmissibility of the current variant(s), the possible severity of illness from the current variant, what types of contacts students may have with others in school, and the potential impact if a student enters school with COVID-19.

TESTING CAN IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY

Students might have been exposed to COVID-19 at the end of summer. They might feel well and not have any symptoms, but they can still be infected and spread the virus to others. Testing confirms that there is no virus spreading in the schools.

All school administrators should remain alert to and informed about changing conditions, including the community spread of the virus and testing availability. They should implement infection prevention and control measures accordingly.

TEST TODAY

GS Labs recognizes that knowledge is power. One of the best ways to stop and lessen community spread is to know your virus status. Book a test today.

TYPES OF TESTING

THE COVID-19 RAPID ANTIGEN TEST

This test is administered with a nasal swab, and GS Labs uses the Indicard Rapid COVID-19 test, which allows results to come back in as little as 30 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). MOST insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 PCR TEST

The PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those with no symptoms, because it detects the virus’s RNA (or genetic material). Results of the PCR test come back in 3-5 days. MOST insurance providers fully cover this test.

COVID-19 RAPID PCR TEST

This NAAT-PCR test is administered with a nasal swab. This test’s Limit of Detection (LoD) is among the lowest measured for the FDA SARS-CoV-2 Reference Panel. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00.

COVID-19 RAPID PCR TEST

This NAAT-LAMP test is administered with a nasal swab.The Limit of Detection (LoD) is also among the lowest measured for the FDA SARSCoV-2 Reference Panel. This test is very similar to PCR, differing only in the lack of temperature fluctuations in the testing process. GS Labs provides NAAT-LAMP results in 30 minutes. This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $299.00.

COVID-19 RAPID & FLU ANTIGEN COMBINED TEST

GS Labs offers one test to detect two contagious respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 and Influenza. The COVID-19 Rapid & Flu Antigen Combined test detects COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B. This test is administered with a nasal swab and can provide results in as little as 20 minutes (wait times may vary depending on volume). This test is not covered by insurance and is charged as an out-of-pocket expense of $199.00.

ABOUT GS LABS

GS Labs Testing provides COVID-19 testing and peace of mind to multiple communities throughout the US. Our team of professional staff, including Registered Nurses on site, are here to help make the COVID-19 testing process safe and simple, to deliver your results as quickly as possible.

GS Labs rapid testing facilities are helping communities meet the needs and challenges of COVID-19 through employing hundreds of local staff and providing rapid COVID-19 testing services. Our goal is simple – easy scheduling, no-wait testing, and timely results.

HOW TESTING WORKS

  1. BOOK ONLINE – Select your location and complete registration.
  2. ARRIVE AT APPOINTMENT – Pull into a designated parking spot. No waiting in line!
  3. GET RAPID TEST RESULTS – Check your email for results within 20 minutes!

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

* CDC offers the following considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which all gatherings must comply.

Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household (who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19) poses the lowest risk for spread. Your household is anyone who currently lives and shares common spaces in your housing unit (such as your house or apartment). This can include family members, as well as roommates or people who are unrelated to you. People who do not currently live in your housing unit, such as college students who are returning home from school for the holidays, should be considered part of different households. In-person gatherings that bring together family members or friends from different households, including college students returning home, pose varying levels of risk.

Do not host or participate in any in-person gatherings if you or anyone in your household:

  • Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
  • Has symptoms of COVID-19
  • Is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
  • May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
  • Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Do not host or attend gatherings with anyone who has COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

 

Categories
COVID-19 Featured

What to know about testing at home.

At-Home COVID-19 Testing

At-home COVID-19 Rapid tests have been a great resource to keep stocked at your house if you begin not to feel well. It is a great resource to have as preliminary testing. While it is recommended to get COVID-19 lab testing to ensure accuracy, having at-home tests is still a great precautionary measure.  

These tests were hard to come by for a while, but they’ve become a bit easier to find more recently. Most COVID-19 at-home tests have around 80% accuracy rates. While keeping them around your house is great, please check the expiration date on your at-home test. These tests have a short shelf life, and when using them to test, it is always better to use multiple tests within a couple of days for accuracy purposes. 

At Home COVID-19 Test Expirations

Your tests will not go bad overnight, but experts say that the chemical components degrade over time, reducing the accuracy of the test. 

After administering your test, and if you feel it might be incorrect, find your nearest testing location where a licensed professional can administer the test for you. Testing at a lab can ensure more accurate samples and results.

If you begin to feel sick, be sure to stay home. Head to GS Labs to get tested for COVID-19 or Flu A&B to ensure you keep yourself and those around you safe.

GS Labs offers four types of tests: COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test, COVID-19 Standard PCR test, COVID-19 Rapid LAMP Test (NAAT-LAMP), and the COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Antigen (EUA) test. 

GS Labs provides COVID-19 testing to multiple communities throughout the United States. Our professionals are committed to making the testing process safe and convenient, delivering results to you as quickly as possible. 

Categories
COVID-19

What you need to know about the newest COVID-19 variant – BA.2

BA.2 Omicron Variant 

Many restrictions for COVID-19 have been lifted across the United States, which has led to most places no longer requiring masks or proof of vaccination upon entrance.

BA.2 Omicron Variant came to the U.S. last week and is on track to displace BA.1 Omicron. This variant spreads 30% to 80% faster than the BA.1 variant. It has now been described as the most transmissible variant we’ve seen thus far, according to the World Health Organization official, Maria Van Kerkhove.

Luckily, the symptoms of the BA.2 variant do not appear to differ from those of the BA.1 variant, but because it is so easily transmissible was expected that cases would rise across the U.S. Dr. Fauci did not predict that there would be a big surge, but that cases would rise within the next couple of weeks. 

According to the CDC, this has held true as the BA.2 variant has caused 85% of all COVID-19 cases.

There is hope that the BA.2 variant will continue to show less severe symptoms, and coupling that with more testing and vaccination rates, the terminal numbers will stay low. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are a runny nose and fatigue. If you are unsure of your symptoms, it is best to get tested for COVID-19

If you begin to feel sick, be sure to stay home. Head to GS Labs to get tested for COVID-19 or Flu A&B to ensure you keep yourself and those around you safe.

GS Labs provides COVID-19 testing to multiple communities throughout the United States. Our professionals are committed to making the testing process safe and convenient, delivering results to you as quickly as possible. 

Getting tested often will continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Categories
COVID-19

Top Private Lab Reopens Indiana Testing Site As Need For COVID-19 Testing Continues

GS Labs Site Offers Various COVID Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

CARMEL, IN – As the need for COVID-19 rapid tests continues, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the nation is re-opening a testing location Carmel.

GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment seven days a week at 1005 W. Main St., Carmel. While this is the sole site in Indiana, the company currently operates about two dozen labs in eight other states.

Having tested more than 1.2 million patients through February, GS Labs, headquartered in Omaha, is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests across the nation. So far this year, the company has performed more than 245,000 rapid antigen tests nationally. These tests have identified more than 53,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these individuals the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“Testing remains an important part of our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Our tests provide customers with quick answers to make the right healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 – which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes – and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in 2 to 5 days. Both tests have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance.

Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each. These tests, ideal for travel or screening testing, are available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all tests must be made online prior to arrival at https://gslabstesting.com/.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN CARMEL
WHERE: 1005 W. MAIN ST., CARMEL, IN 46032
WHEN: WEEKDAYS 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M.; WEEKENDS 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety options you may wish to consider include:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
  • Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Avoid shouting and singing, especially in indoor spaces.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from travel.
  • Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

Categories
COVID-19

TOP PRIVATE LAB OPENS 3RD PORTLAND-AREA COVID-19 TESTING SITE

New GS Labs Site Offers Variety of Tests with Results in About 1 Hour

PORTLAND, OR – GS Labs, one of the largest private testing labs in the country, announced today that it has opened a new COVID-19 testing site in Portland to provide fast, accurate results to people needing critical medical information as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

The new testing site is the third Portland location operated by GS Labs. The new Portland location is at 2110 SE 82nd Ave. GS Labs also operates Portland-area locations at 10935 SW 68th Parkway and 12601 SE 2nd Circle in Vancouver, WA.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs, headquartered in Omaha, is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Oregon and across the nation. So far this year, the company has performed nearly 235,000 rapid antigen tests nationally. These tests have identified nearly 53,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these individuals the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“COVID testing remains an important way to help contain infections,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “GS Labs now offers three locations in the Portland area – all open seven days a week – to obtain a variety of accurate tests with timely results to give our customers the best information to make healthcare decisions.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes rapid antigen test for $179 – which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes – and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in 2 to 5 days. Both tests have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each. These tests, ideal for travel or screening testing, are available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only.

Appointments for all tests must be made online prior to arrival at https://gslabstesting.com/.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN PORTLAND

WHERE: 2110 SE 82nd AVE PORTLAND, OR 97216

WHEN: WEEKDAYS 7 A.M. TO 6 P.M.; WEEKENDS 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

If you are attending a gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test one to three days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth while in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
  • Given the sustained infection levels in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings.
  • Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Avoid shouting and singing, especially indoors.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Also consider getting a COVID-19 test three to five days after you return home from a trip.
  • Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full seven days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com.

Categories
COVID-19

TOP PRIVATE LAB OPENS NEW LINCOLN COVID-19 TESTING LOCATION AS OMICRON SPREADS

New GS Labs site offering variety of tests with results in about 1 hour

LINCOLN, NEB. – With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 still spreading in the community, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the nation is opening a new testing location in Lincoln.

GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends at 8633 Andermatt Dr., Lincoln.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs, headquartered in Omaha, is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in Nebraska and across the nation. So far this year, the company has performed nearly 235,000 rapid antigen tests nationally. These tests have identified nearly 53,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these individuals the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“Testing remains an important part of our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Our tests provide customers with quick answers to make the right health care decisions for themselves and their loved ones.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes rapid antigen test for $179 – which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes – and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in 2 to 5 days. Both tests have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each. These tests, ideal for travel or screening testing, are available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only.

WHAT: GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS IN LINCOLN

WHERE: 8633 ANDERMATT DR. LINCOLN, NE 68526

WHEN: WHEN: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEEKDAYS; 9 A.M TO 5 P.M. WEEKENDS

 

If you are attending a gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test one to three days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth while in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
  • Given the sustained infection levels in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings.
  • Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Avoid shouting and singing, especially indoors.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Also consider getting a COVID-19 test three to five days after you return home from a trip.
  • Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full seven days after travel.

 

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com.

Categories
COVID-19

DRAKE STUDENT-ATHLETE, REFUGEE OVERCOMING LOGISTICAL HURDLE TO SERVE AS GOODWILL AMBASSADOR IN BEIJING

Yiech Pur Biel is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency and a member of Drake’s cross country team.

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Drake cross country runner could be one step closer to attending the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Yiech Pur Biel is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency. He fled war-torn South Sudan when he was 10, and eventually made it to a refugee camp in Kenya without his parents.

Pur made history in 2016 by competing for the first Refugee Olympic Team in the 800-meter race at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Now, he’s invited to Beijing, but needs two negative COVID tests to enter the Olympic bubble.

The only problem? There weren’t any approved test sites in Iowa, Pur’s host mom, Katie Mortenson, told GS Labs.

After weeks of paperwork and correspondence with the International Olympic Committee, China eventually approved GS Labs as a test site, according to a spokesperson.

Pur took one COVID test Thursday, and pending the results of a second test, he will be heading to Beijing this weekend.

“Coming from a refugee camp, I cannot believe that I will become an IOC member in few days,” Pur said. “It’s something that I can be proud of, because tomorrow they, one of them, can be in that position and play a role whereby I can be a role model to other people too.”

Categories
COVID-19

GS LABS BRINGS ADDITIONAL COVID TESTING RESOURCES TO DES MOINES; NEW SITE NOW OPEN IN ANKENY

GS Labs Offers Various COVID Tests; Results In As Little One Hour

DES MOINES – As the need for COVID-19 testing continues, one of the largest private testing laboratories in the U.S. has opened its second Des Moines-area testing location at 409 S. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, 50023. GS Labs offers rapid antigen tests, PCR tests, Rapid PCR and LAMP tests, and now a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test, all by appointment seven days a week. This new site in Ankeny is an addition to GS Labs’ other metro location at 8801 University Ave, Suite C45 in Clive.

Having recently tested its millionth patient, GS Labs is a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in the Des Moines metro and across the United States. Last week, the company performed more than 55,000 rapid antigen tests nationally, an increase of 65 percent compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs that week identified more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these patients the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

“As the pandemic stretches on and the demand for COVID testing continues, we are adding capacity at our second metro area site to support the Des Moines community,” said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. “Thanks to our dedicated and growing team of healthcare professionals, we now offer our full range of testing services at two metro locations.”

GS Lab’s offers two tests that are fully covered by insurance in the event the patient is experiencing symptoms or has had a recent exposure. This includes the rapid antigen test for $179 which returns results as quickly as 20 minutes and a PCR test for $229 that returns results in two to five days; both have no out-of-pocket cost with accepted insurance. Additionally, GS Labs offers rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests for $299 each that are ideal for travel or screening testing, available with cash payment only. The combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test is available for $199, also with cash payment only. Appointments for all test types must be made online prior to arrival.

WHAT: ADDITIONAL GS LABS TESTING SITE OPENS

WHERE: 409 S. ANKENY BLVD, ANKENY, IA 50023

WHEN: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEEKDAYS; 9 A.M TO 5 P.M. WEEKENDS

If you are attending an upcoming gathering, there are steps you can take to be safer around others – including getting a test 1 to 3 days beforehand to determine your COVID-19 status. Other safety measures include:

  • Wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated. 
  • Given the sustained surge in the region, we recommend that even fully vaccinated people should wear a mask in public indoor settings.
  • Remember, outdoors is safer than indoors.
  • Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Avoid shouting and singing, especially in indoor spaces.
  • If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
  • Also consider getting a COVID-19 test 3 to 5 days after you return home from your trip.
  • Even if your test is negative, it’s wise to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after travel.

Reporters seeking B-roll opportunities or a Zoom interview with Dr. Jackson can contact David Leibowitz at 602-317-1414 or by email at david@leibowitzsolo.com

 

Categories
COVID-19

Milestone For National Testing Laboratory: GS Labs Tests One Millionth Patient For COVID-19 As Pandemic Continues To Challenge Nation

From One Location 16 Months Ago, Company’s Current Footprint Includes 25 Locations Across Eight States; Entrepreneurs Proud Of “Team’s Contribution to Public Health”

OMAHA – GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, passed a unique milestone in January, when the company performed its one millionth COVID-19 test on a patient since beginning to offer testing in October 2020.

Headquartered in Omaha, GS Labs entered the COVID-19 testing space as the pandemic initially swept through Nebraska and the Midwest. At the time, loved ones and friends of the company’s partners could not find COVID-19 tests anywhere after being exposed to the coronavirus. From that initial location, the company has expanded across the U.S.; its current business footprint including 25 locations in eight states. New locations are being stood up weekly in response to community and patient demand.

“Initially, this was personal for us,” said Kirk Thompson, a partner with the company. “We view our business as a combination of entrepreneurship and public service, and a way for our team to use our years of expertise for the public good. At a time when the national healthcare system was unable to provide testing for communities, families and individuals in need, we stepped up – and we remain very proud of that effort.”

To date, GS Labs has invested tens of millions of dollars to build a national operation, including establishing testing sites, hiring nearly 3,000 essential workers, and developing infrastructure to handle internal billing, compliance, communications, marketing in multiple markets, and the labs’ 24-hour hotline, staffed by registered nurses.

GS Labs’ state-of-the-art custom technology platform serves as many as 1,000 patients per day at each location, seven days a week. The digital platform allows patients to book within 15 minutes of their proposed appointment and to receive accurate rapid results in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of a rapid antigen test. Locations typically offer multiple types of tests, depending on availability, including the rapid antigen test; a standard PCR test; rapid PCR and rapid LAMP tests; and a combination rapid antigen COVID and flu test.

Last week, the company performed more than 55,000 rapid antigen tests nationally, an increase of 65 percent compared to Thanksgiving week. Tests administered by GS Labs that week identified more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19, giving these patients the opportunity to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

To date, GS Labs has identified more than 180,000 patients positive for COVID-19.

“That’s the equivalent of a small Midwestern city who was given potentially lifesaving medical information,” said Thompson. “We are so proud of our team and their tireless work ethic. They’ve been there each and every day, through subzero temperatures and snowstorms, concerns for the health of their families and through early mornings and late nights. Their commitment to the communities we serve is a testament to what a business can do when it’s determined to step up.”