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Lane County Is In Line For Rapid COVID-19 Tests

Abbott Laboratories

Lane County is hoping to get shipments of a new rapid test for COVID-19 as soon as next week. The Abbott test was developed by a company in California. 

The size of a toaster, it can be performed in a doctor’s office and give results in just 15 minutes. Lane County Public Health spokesperson Jason Davis says when those tests are in place, it will be possible to increase testing.

“In broad terms, it would significantly change our ability to test individuals and probably the criteria for which individuals are tested. However, what it doesn’t change is the overall shortage of the chemicals necessary to test.”

Davis says without enough of the chemicals, the county still won’t be able to test everyone. There has been an uptick in testing statewide and that helps County health departments to track cases and keep communities informed.

Rachael McDonald is KLCC’s host for All Things Considered on weekday afternoons. She also is the editor of the KLCC Extra, the daily digital newspaper. Rachael has a BA in English from the University of Oregon. She started out in public radio as a newsroom volunteer at KLCC in 2000.
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