SUNY testing site brings research to the forefront

PLATTSBURGH | In January, Quadrant Biosciences partnered with New York state to open COVID-19 testing sites at 34 SUNY campuses, open to the public. This is a part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's push to combat the surge of cases this winter. Quadrant Biosciences worked with SUNY Upstate Medical University for years, developing RNA-based molecular diagnostic tests for a variety of health conditions including autism, before COVID-19 hit. When it did, they shifted gears, using their knowledge of RNA, a molecule that converts genetic information into proteins, to develop the Clarifi COVID-19 Saliva Test. This is when they began collaborating with the entire State University of New York system. These tests have been used at every SUNY campus to test students, faculty and staff since they returned to in-person, in the fall of 2020. They received emergency use authorization from the FDA to do pool testing, which means they could test up to 12 samples at a time. Now, the tests are available to anyone in the Plattsburgh community, no out-of-pocket charge. Sites were chosen based on which communities had the greatest need for them. It became clear Plattsburgh was one of those communities after a summer of long wait times and congested traffic at the main testing site on Hammond Lane. "Plattsburgh is one of those rural areas in New York state where access to no-cost testing for community members was needed," Marketing Associate at Quadrant Biosciences Tyler Middleton said. "Too often, when programs are rolled out across the state, rural areas such as Plattsburgh, are not included." The CEO of Quadrant Biosciences is from Cape Vincent, so he also has a special connection to the North Country. "He wants the test to be available to all people, without barriers preventing them from getting it," Middleton said. The test is a saliva-based PCR, so all it requires is 10-15 seconds of swabbing, along the gums and under the tongue. People taking the test cannot eat or drink, including gum, mints or lozenges, or use tobacco products, including vaping, 30 minutes prior to taking the test. They also need to make sure they don't brush their teeth or use mouthwash, an hour prior to testing. Before taking the test, patients create a profile that allows Quadrant Biosciences to ask pre-test screening questions such as "are you experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19?" It is also the portal Quadrant Biosciences sends test results to when they become available. Once the lab has received the test, it takes one to two days for results. Patients receive an email that their results are ready, with a link to the portal. The portal keeps track of all tests the patient has taken through Quadrant, allowing them to look back at old results. Unlike other tests, the saliva test can be taken by all ages, even infants. There are seven full-time employees and one substitute, to cover when someone needs a day off, at the testing site. All employees working at the testing site were hired through local employment agencies, so they are all members of the Plattsburgh community. The Plattsburgh site tests an average of 120 people per day, for a total of 4,000 tested so far. The site is equipped to do up to 250 appointments per day. The testing site is located in Adirondack Hall on Sanborn Ave. It is currently open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Although they prefer potential patients to make an appointment so they can create a patient profile beforehand, walk-ins are also welcome and employees can assist them with creating a log-in when they arrive. "We want our communities to be safe, having access to testing is essential to not only limiting the spread of COVID-19, but keeping kids in school, people at work and businesses open," Middleton said. "So whether you want to be sure it's not COVID, need a test to return to work or school or need it for travel purposes, test with us at SUNY Plattsburgh."

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SUNY testing site brings research to the forefront

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