Wichita State University will celebrate the opening of its Molecular Diagnostics Lab (MDL) at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the John Bardo Center on WSU’s Innovation Campus.

At full capacity, the MDL can process as many as 4,500 COVID-19 tests per day. It is the only high-volume testing center in Wichita and the region.

The event will be streamed virtually.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to attend the event, and she will be giving brief remarks. After the event, the governor will take questions from the media.

How the lab works

Medical facilities and doctors’ offices across the state will collect saliva, oropharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal swabs from patients, send them to the lab, and the MDL will have test results within 24 hours. To be tested, patients should talk to their health care provider or dial 211. Health. care providers who would like to work with MDL should call 978-8600 or email mdl@wichita.edu.

“Wichita State is committed to helping our community and our state persevere and recover from this pandemic,” said Dr. Rick Muma, interim president and provost of the university. “One of the best defenses we have against the spread of the virus is vigorous testing, which will allow for rapid and precise quarantining and treatment of those who are infected.” 

The MDL received support from community leaders when the university announced its creation earlier this year. 

“Access to low-cost, quick-response COVID-19 tests will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and minimize the risk of closing schools,” said Dr. Alicia Thompson, superintendent of Wichita Public Schools. “The addition of WSU’s high-volume testing is a mitigating measure that will help to ensure that students and school staff have the safest-possible learning and work environments that our community can provide.”