COVID-19

Significant Testing Capacity

• Active capacity of 25,000 COVID-19 tests per day, with the ability to expand as demand grows.
• Over 2 million COVID-19 PCR tests performed to date.
• Robust and reliable supply chain with a significant inventory of reagents and supplies currently on hand.

Rapid Turnaround Time

• Test results are available within 24-48 hours of receipt in our laboratory.
• Highly automated laboratory enables greater capacity, faster results and reduced errors.

Responsive, Professional COVID-19 Testing Support

• The Operations Team is professional and highly responsive.
• Quick implementation of electronic interfaces with most EMR/LIS platforms provides for smooth and efficient transmission of orders and reports.
• Specimen collection kits are provided at no cost.
• Transportation of specimens is arranged and paid for by Northwest Laboratory.

Experienced Scientific Leadership

• Northwest Laboratory has been providing high-quality professional pathology and laboratory services for more than 30 years.
• COVID-19 operations are led by molecular biologists Greg Wolgamot, MD, PhD, and Ryan Fortna, MD, PhD, both with extensive experience in PCR methodology.

Highly Reliable Test Results

• Utilizing the Thermo Fisher TaqPath™ COVID-19 RT-PCR assay, considered the industry gold standard for COVID testing.
• The assay detects three viral genes, providing exceptional sensitivity and specificity. Reliably detects UK variant and other strains.
• Every positive result is reviewed by a lab technologist to ensure accuracy.

Specimen Collection

NWL accepts the following specimens:

• • Anterior nares swabs
  • Nasopharyngeal swabs
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid
  • Saliva