Faster, more convenient testing for COVID-19 is coming to Alberta.
The testing comes through a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Spartan Bioscience Inc.
Spartan Bioscience is developing a handheld, rapid-testing device which can confirm test results for the virus in less than one hour.
As a part of the $9.5 million contact, AHS will receive 250 of these handheld devices, along with 100,000 testing kits, which will be distributed to healthcare facilities outside of Calgary and Edmonton.
“This new technology will supplement our current testing efforts and give AHS the ability to provide timely testing and results to more Albertans in more communities. This will help guide appropriate care and isolation, speed up our contact tracing, and reduce the risk of further spread.” said AHS President and CEO Dr. Vernia Yiu.
The device is expected to help AHS provide additional testing in rural and remote communities across the province, by eliminating the need for samples to travel to the nearest lab.
The first shipment is expected to arrive in April.
The technology will be used in addition to AHS’ current lab testing and will be augmented in areas where access to major labs can be an issue.
