STILLWATER — Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) Diagnostic Laboratory is now operational as an approved COVID-19 diagnostic lab, dramatically increasing Oklahoma’s testing capabilities.  The lab does not test individuals for the virus, but rather analyzes samples sent by health care providers.

Using Thermo Fisher diagnostic machines, the lab is capable of analyzing more than 2,000 samples per day with a maximum 24-hour turnaround from receipt of the sample.

Dr. Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president for research, said the lab is quickly ramping up its testing capabilities and capacity to meet the needs of the state for increased testing to blunt the spread of the virus.

“Increased testing results will give public health officials a more accurate and realistic picture of the COVID-19 infection situation as the number of positive cases rise in Oklahoma. Improved data will help public health officials make more informed decisions to treat patients, protect health care workers and reduce the impact of this pandemic on the public,” Sewell said.

A medical courier service will deliver samples from health care providers across the state to the OSU lab to be analyzed by trained technicians. OSU has developed a website at okstate.edu/coronavirus/laboratory-resources.html.