Abbott rapid testing up and running in Algona

By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]

Algona, IA – The Abbott rapid COVID-19 testing equipment is now up and running in Algona with some tests already completed.

Public Relations Manager at Kossuth Regional Health Center Joanne Bode now confirms to KHBT that the Abbott machine is now in use at KRHC and that testing has already been done. The device does allow quick test results but Bode confirms that it has limitations that make is suitable for rural Iowa communities and certain target audiences.

“We’re really excited to have this testing equipment” she says. The target audience in mind for this equipment is the most vulnerable populations in rural communities. Bode lists those living in nursing homes, assistant living and long term care facilities.

On April 21 KHBT reported that Bode confirmed the KRHC and Algona was one of 13 sites to receive Abbott rapid testing equipment for COVID-19. In that report it was not confirmed when the testing equipment would start to be used as training and final materials were needed to gather.

KRHC and Algona were chosen as one of 13 communities by the IDPH after multiple factors were considered. These factors include population of elderly, number of long-term care facilities in the area and whether the location could serve as a hub to several rural communities for testing resources.