Personal Health
Same-day testing Quick COVID-19 results now available in Tompkins County Mat t Butl e r
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fter Ithaca-based Rheonix received approval from the Food and Drug Administration on a same-day testing turnaround method for COVID-19 results, they have now formed a partnership with Cayuga Health to introduce the testing to Tompkins County. Rheonix was granted authorization from the FDA yesterday, and can now use a “rapid sample-to-answer” test system which “enables the fully automated detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, directly from Georgia@ithacatimes.com 607-277-7000 x220respiratory samples.” Rheonix, which is based out of Newspaper: Cornell, designed the device that conducts the testing. “We are thrilled to team with Rheonix, located right here in Ithaca. Their technology and expertise has enabled us to be able to provide same day results for COVID-19 testing – one of the quick, test turnaround times in our region,” states Martin Stallone, President & CEO of Cayuga Health. “We were successful with opening one of the first COVID-19 drive through sam-
pling centers in our state and will continue to do what it takes to fight this epidemic and meet the healthcare needs of our community, right here.” Testing turnaround has been one of the main obstacles of speedy COVID-19 response, as testing routinely takes between 3-5 days, and even that is a reduction from its previous norms. “I am incredibly happy to be able to support Cayuga Health – Rheonix’s hometown health system – with their fight against this COVID-19 pandemic by giving them the ability to provide same day test results toClient: their patients,” said Greg Galvin, President, CEO & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rheonix Inc. “Because our fully automated system is so easy to deploy and operate, it’s a perfect solution for rapid testing in hospitals like Cayuga Health,” adds Galvin. “The faster people can get diagnosed, the faster they can get treated, and the faster we can turn the corner on this pandemic.” “We typically see between 150-250
Ithaca Times/Fingerlakes News
from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday. People can pre-register for testing at www. cayugahealth.org and review the screening criteria. In addition, a call center has been set up for patients who may not have access to Internet, need assistance registering, or have questions. The call center number is 607-319-5708. Individuals are strongly encouraged to pre-register prior to coming to the site. As directed by Governor Cuomo, COVID-19 testing is free for all New Yorkers, regardless of health insurance.
Now open in new location! Route 13 between Ithaca and Dryden.
We are open and accepting new patients.
by Betsy Schermerhorn Director, Marketing and Admissions
Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers, and certainly, the animals can use the companionship. Many people have had beloved pets, but as they age, they may be missing that experience. Walking a happy dog and watching them enjoy the walk, smell the trees, bark at strangers, wag their tails, and look up at you with joy brings a lot of happiness to both of you. It may even help them get adopted. They are socialized, not as restless, and the stress caused by being in a noisy shelter is reduced for them. Gentle little souls like timid cats can sure use some cuddling and squeezing. Just a little love goes a long way for everyone involved.
patients a day at the sampling center and before implementing the Rheonix system it could take a few days to get the test results back,” stated Dr. Elizabeth Plocharczyk, Specialist in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology at Cayuga Health. “Until now, we had been sending the samples to a large commercial lab for testing. With this new test method we can process around 200 samples per day, right here in the hospital. ” The Cayuga Health/Tompkins County Sampling Center, which opened March 24, is available for drive through testing
Kendal at Ithaca
Vital for Life
DO SOME PATTING
Rheonix device being used by Cayuga Health to deliver sameday COVID-19 test results (Photo provided)
All ages. Most insurance.
Pet shelters in your local area depend on volunteers to keep them operational. If you are in need of some unconditional love, call your local shelter. By volunteering at a local shelter, not only are you looking after the well-being of the animals, you are looking after yours as well. Call the marketing team at (607) 266-5300 to schedule a tour to see our facilities and learn more about lifecare at Kendal at Ithaca. Find us on the web at http://kai.kendal.org/
P.S. The Fourth of July is stressful and scary to noise-sensitive animals. Many shelters are happy to have volunteers sit near enclosures and calm the animals during the fireworks.
We offer TELEMEDICINE VISITS
Most insurers are now covering telemedicine visits during this crisis, and are even waiving copays. Many insurers including Medicare, are paying for telemedicine visits across state lines. So even if you don’t live in New York, we can still see you. Just give us a call for a telemedicine / teledermatology consult, and we will take care of the rest.
Brad Yentzer, MD, FAAD Dermatologist Finger Lakes Dermatology 607-708-1330 fingerlakesderm.com 2141 Dryden Road Freeville, NY 13068
Our Services: Medical Acne Rashes Excessive sweating Infections Itching Moles
Rosacea Skin cancer, including Melanoma Surgical: Skin biopsies and cancer surgery, Cyst or Mole removal
2230 N. Triphammer Road Ithaca, NY 14850-6513 Website: www.kai.kendal.org Email: admissions@kai.kendal.org
(607) 266-5300 Toll Free: (800) 253-6325
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