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The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department is finalizing purchase plans for a new Panther System machine, which allows for assay testing on a broad range of health concerns. Yes, it will be used for COVID-19, but Chief Executive Kate Beer there are several other tests of public concern that will be able to be brought in house like HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The panther machine can perform tests rapidly compared to the existing facility.
Beer says that will help expedite results for COVID-19 testing. Turnaround should decrease from nearly a week to two, maybe three days. The Depot Street location is being remodeled to allow for the new laboratory capacity. Beer says there is not yet a date for when the public will be able to enter the facility.
