Joseph Yao, M.D., Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Assistant Professor of Microbiology, College of Medicine, joins Answers from the Lab to discuss increased PCR testing capacity for COVID-19. In this episode, he highlights the great teamwork that has moved lab testing capacity forward and how the pandemic has transformed the lab environment into a 24/7 operation.
Show Notes
Timestamps
Speaker 1: (
01:17)
Can you tell us why that decision was made and how you went about bringing up this new test?
Speaker 1: (
04:27)
We went with our laboratory developed test, which was essential to get us up and running, but had a limited throughput. Then you've basically tripled our capacity by adding these additional platforms and tests.
Speaker 1: (
05:27)
Now I also know when you verified this, you really turned it around amazingly fast. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Speaker 1: (
06:46)
That is amazing. Now you mentioned the assay has received EUA—emergency use authorization—from the Food and Drug Administration or FDA. Now what specimens does this assay have EUA for?
Speaker 1: (
07:31)
Are you adding additional specimen types to what you're accepting for this assay?
Speaker 1: (
09:23)
How are you using this assay today and what is your total capacity for testing?
Speaker 1: (
11:41)
Now you've also brought in another test. How was that decision made and do you want to tell us a little bit about that?
Speaker 1: (
14:34)
Now, I don't believe before this that you were working 24/7, is that correct?