Stephens Memorial Hospital District will look into providing citizens with rapid result testing for the COVID-19 virus. The testing option was discussed during the Thursday, July 16 board of trustees meeting.

The testing will provide results within an estimated 15 minutes and will give citizens quicker results to better navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Christy Begeman, SMH Chief Nurse provided the board with information on the process and expectations of the rapid-result testing.

“I contacted our Quidel rep who has our Sofia machine and she emailed me and we should have that process going,” Begeman said. “It’s a nasal swab and the results of the testing would come back within 15 minutes.”

The possible rapid result testing comes as Dr. William Prater voiced concern about the amount of time some patient’s COVID-19 results are taking during the board meeting.

If a contract is agreed upon, the process for testing citizens quicker could begin in about two to three weeks.

The cost of the testing could be determined soon.