Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. has added a state-of-the-art piece of equipment to the laboratory. For the past two weeks, the new BioFire Diagnostics unit has been running rapid gastrointestinal and respiratory panels. Yankton Medical Cinic is the first in the area to offer this testing.

The FDA approved device runs tests for 22 common bacterial, viral, and parasitic causes of infectious gastroenteritis and 21 bacterial and viral infectious respiratory pathogens. Once the sample is obtained, the test is completed in approximately 1 ½ hours. With less preparation needed by lab technicians, the BioFire tests are quicker and have a high sensitivity and specificity rate of nearly 100 percent.

What this advanced testing means for patients is a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan, “allowing for accurate diagnosis with proper treatment in a more timely fashion. Previously, we would usually wait until the next day.” Dr. Dawn Larson, pediatrician, explained “early knowledge of the pathogen allows for better prevention of spread of communicable diseases such as influenza, whooping cough, or E. coli. by properly identifying, treating, and containing the disease. Parents appreciate knowing the source of their child’s illness and having a better understanding of what to expect.”

The decision to add the equipment to the clinic’s laboratory was made to better serve patients with a faster, accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.