Bryan Health announces new rapid COVID-19 test

Bryan Health will start using a new rapid COVID-19 test in its emergency department next week.

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) – Bryan Health will start using a rapid COVID-19 antigen test in its emergency department starting next week. The test would provide results in as little as 15 minutes.

“The antigen test detects specific antigens on the surface of the coronavirus that are present in the acute phase of the infection which have shown to be a 5 to 7 day window of the symptom onset for patient,” clinical laboratory specialist Jayne Ellenwood said.

Patients in Bryan’s emergency department who have experienced COVID-19 symptoms will use the test. Ellenwood says the test will be a tool in Bryan’s screening resources in working toward preserving personal protective equipment and identifying COVID-19 patients as rapidly as possible.

Supply for the antigen test is limited, but health officials say they’re prepared.

“When this test was granted emergency use authorization for the rapid antigen detection test, we ordered a bulk supply of tests, and we have a good supply of tests currently,” Ellenwood said.

Not only will the results be quicker, but there is also an added benefit. The nasal swab will only go about 1 inch into the patient’s nose, unlike the previous test.

Bryan Health officials say the antigen tests will go “live” next week in the emergency department.