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Michigan Tech will be able to double its COVID-19 testing capacity, thanks to a gift from the Portage Health Foundation.
A new RNA extractor for the Tech lab will increase the number of tests that can be processed from 200 per day to 400 per day. An additional software package will enable test results to be uploaded to the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center automatically, instead of having to be manually entered.
The $142,359 investment by PHF came from its COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund, which is a restricted fund specifically created to help the people in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties recover from the ongoing pandemic.
Previous support for the lab from the Foundation has included personal protective gear and air purifying equipment.
MTU’s lab has already processed nearly 14,000 tests, with roughly two-thirds of those coming from members of the community, and one-third from students.
The increase in capacity comes just in time. With the Thanksgiving break approaching, Tech has announced that it will offer extra opportunities for students to obtain tests the week of November 16th, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
The tests will help students who plan to head home for the holiday know if they can do it safely.
University officials are also asking students to limit their social interaction for two weeks prior to travel.
