RapidBio, an experienced molecular diagnostics laboratory with a current focus on COVID-19 testing, has partnered with Wayne Health and USA Hockey Arena to provide drive-through collection and rapid COVID-19 test results in Plymouth, Mich.

The company is using the sensitive qPCR assay, combined with highly automated equipment, to provide the potential to process 5,000 COVID-19 tests per day and the ability to expand further, with results delivered in 24 hours or less.

RapidBio has partnered with Wayne Health for collection services at the Plymouth-based facility to help serve western Wayne County and surrounding communities. In addition to the USA Hockey Arena site, Wayne Health is providing community testing throughout metropolitan Detroit with its mobile health units.

“This new partnership allows us to provide results to our patients faster than ever before,” said Phillip Levy, M.D., M.P.H., who leads the mobile COVID-19 testing program for Wayne Health. “The sooner people know their COVID status, the quicker they can take the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and stop the spread.”

RapidBio has optimized its process and delivered efficiencies with automation to meet high demand for testing in the area as well as to serve as a reference lab for hotspots across the nation by delivering test results in 12 to 48 hours. The SARS-CoV-2 Rapid PCR test utilizes patient-friendly anterior nasal swabs, which sample the lower part of the nostril and are less invasive than the traditional nasopharyngeal swab. Additionally, the company has a program to validate pooling in the laboratory with the goal to increase capacity from 5,000 to 20,000 or more tests per day.

“We are proud to provide Michigan and the metro-Detroit area with rapid test results during these challenging times” said John Cunningham, chief executive officer of RapidBio. “We hope by providing rapid results from sensitive assays that we can help businesses and schools open quickly and operate in safe environments.”

USA Hockey Arena has partnered by providing a centralized location for sample collection with ample space for vehicles during peak demand.

RapidBio plans to have local employers and schools send individuals to the easily accessible location as the state expands funding to return students to in-person learning and create safe working environments.