06 Apr United Biomedical Inc.: COVID-19 Blood Test Result Delay Explained!
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San Miguel County Department of Public Health and Environment is aware and shares the Telluride community’s frustration with the unexpected delays in receiving COVID-19 blood test results.
United Biomedical Inc. (UBI) initially told county officials test results would take 48-72 hours from the time they arrived at their lab. UBI told the county that delays are largely due to compromised staff and supply access as a result to the pandemic.
San Miguel County requested a more thorough explanation for the delay and UBI issued the following statement Monday morning:
“Like everyone right now, we’re trying to navigate our operations in these unprecedented times to the best of our ability. We understand the critical importance of timely test results and the immense stress that everyone is under, however industry-wide disruptions due to the COVID-19 epidemic — especially in New York state where our facility and majority of staff are based — have led to an unexpected backlog in processing results.
Our number one priority continues to be the public health safety of everyone in San Miguel County. We have processed the initial almost 2,000 tests and are working around the clock to process and deliver all remaining tests that are arriving. We thank everyone in San Miguel County for their support and efforts in this unique and historic undertaking and urge everyone to closely follow all social distancing guidelines and recommendations from the county health department at this time.”
UBI said it is aiming towards the end of this week, by April 10, to resume processing the estimated 4,000 outstanding tests from round one testing.
“This is disappointing, but not surprising given the unprecedented times and unpredictable consequences of this pandemic,” Dr. Sharon Grundy, County Medical Officer said.
Grace Franklin, Public Health Director emphasized the importance of the county public health orders:
“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we need to remain focused and committed to our behavior, which is still the best tool we have.”
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