University of Arizona sends second round of COVID-19 test kits to Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - For the second week in a row, the University of Arizona Health Sciences Biorepository sends hundreds of testing kits to help Yuma County fight the coronavirus.
700 test kits from UofA arrived in Yuma Wednesday. The latest shipment adds to the 300 kits received from the university last week.
The sample collection kits include nasal swabs that are sent back to the laboratory to do genetic testing for the virus.
Dr. Harris, director of the Health Sciences Biorepository Department at the school said that the federal government is supposed to supply these kits, but it has taken too long. The University has stepped up and provided test kits at no charge for counties across Arizona.
At first finding swabs for the kits was a bit of a struggle, but thanks to small medical vendors they were able to secure the needed supplies.
Now according to Dr. Harris, they are equipped to supply up to 100,000 sample collection test kits across the state, by priority needs.
Everyday the university is in contact with local health officials to discuss what is needed.
Dr. Harris also mentions that only 10% of people who get tested actually come back positive for the virus, so he recommends not seeking out to get tested unless you need medical attention.
