Avera Laboratory Validated for COVID-19 Testing

Avera’s laboratory in Sioux Falls has been verified by the South Dakota Department of Health to perform COVID-19 testing.

The Avera Institute for Human Genetics has worked closely with the governor’s office as well as the state health department to establish guidelines on how pending tests are processed. This additional testing site will allow processing of up to 200 tests per day. Avera will have the ability to enter these results directly into the patient’s AveraChart electronic medical record.

The most critical and highly suspicious tests will receive priority. Result time will depend on volume, however, most test results will be able to be returned in a few days and inpatient tests that are considered urgent based on the patient’s condition can be returned more quickly.

To date, this testing has been conducted by the state health department’s laboratory and Avera’s contract laboratory.

Testing of COVID-19 samples is a complex process, for which Avera has the background in genetic testing, as well as the expertise and equipment. Getting this validation completed so quickly took amazing teamwork by Avera's laboratory staff as well as state health officials, with all working together in the best interest of patients and the greater population.

All test results will be sent to the state for reporting purposes. Patients with positive test results will be contacted with instructions on how to care for themselves at home, symptom management, and when to contact health care provider if symptoms worsen.

Learn more at Avera.org/COVID-19