LMHS & ONU Partnership Yields Local Molecular Testing for COVID-19

posted on: 4/22/2020 3:50:49 PM

Lima Memorial Health System and Ohio Northern University have a longstanding clinical affiliation, which accelerated to a whole new level as the two organizations partnered to bring PCR molecular testing for COVID-19 to the greater Lima region. This is the same method being used by the Ohio Department of Health. ONU provided essential equipment to enable Lima Memorial to provide this critical testing.

Dr. Dennis De Luca, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Ohio Northern University and Molecular Specialist, helped lead the initiative on behalf of Ohio Northern University. “I understood the kind of testing that was needed, and when I realized ONU had the instrument that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended for testing, I was more than happy to offer my assistance,” stated Dr. De Luca. “It was my honor to be able to provide a contribution to something of this magnitude that will help our communities.”

Dr. De Luca provided extensive leadership and technical consultation on this project. Additional collaborators on this project included Pathologists Dr. Rafael Nivar and Dr. Joseph Sreenan, University of Toledo and Ohio Department of Health Laboratory.

PCR molecular testing is the gold standard for detecting the COVID-19 virus. Having this highly accurate testing available locally significantly reduces the wait time for patients to receive their results. With an expected same-day turnaround time for results, patients will benefit from swift and proper treatment. Lima Memorial will adhere to the CDC guidelines for priority testing. Testing will be made available in the greater Lima region for hospitalized patients at all local hospitals, healthcare workers, patients in long-term care facilities and first responders, among others.

“We are extremely appreciative of the many individuals and organizations who spent countless hours providing insight, research, guidance and collaboration to bring this highly accurate and timely testing to the Greater Lima Region for those who meet CDC testing guidelines,” stated Mike Swick, President & CEO of Lima Memorial Health System. “We greatly value our partnership with Lima Memorial Health System. The University is extremely pleased to do our part to increase COVID-19 testing for the heroic hospital staff and patients at all of our local hospitals,” stated Dr. Daniel DiBiasio, President of Ohio Northern University.