Remembering COVID: How to Boost COVID Testing Capacity, Save on Resources, and Keep the Experience Stress-Free for the Patient

On May 11, 2023, the World Health Organization declared the global COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially over. While life has gradually returned to normal for many, those in laboratory information and pathology lab management remain diligent while reflecting on the hard-earned lessons of the pandemic to prepare for future infectious disease threats.

Learn More: End of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration

At LigoLab, our priority during the pandemic was supporting our partners with innovative lab information systems and laboratory billing solutions. By understanding their evolving needs, we delivered innovative medical LIS software solutions that helped them overcome the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19. From quickly adapting laboratory information system capabilities to ensuring the safety of patients and providers, our efforts were rooted in collaboration and a shared mission.

Learn More: Six Reasons Why You Should Choose an Integrated Laboratory Billing Solution for Your Medical Lab

One notable story of resilience comes from the Whatcom County Department of Health, where the pandemic presented significant challenges in maintaining health and safety at a mobile COVID-19 testing site. 

As we honor the service of healthcare and LIS lab professionals across the nation, let us take a moment to reflect by revisiting this compelling case study with Whatcom County and Lynn Pittsinger first published on January 12, 2021.

Honoring the Heros of Whatcom County’s Health Department 

During this global pandemic, we’ve heard a lot about heroes and essential workers on the front lines of the battle to defeat COVID-19.

Lynn Pittsinger of the Whatcom County Health Department is one of those heroes. She continues to work tirelessly to keep her community safe while serving as a Supervisor for her department’s COVID-19 testing site in Lynden, Washington. 

The Whatcom County testing site is making headlines because, as Lynn told me in a recent interview, “it’s mathematically perfect.” 

Lynn was referring to the fact that this testing site set up to collect four patient samples every three minutes with a capacity for 500 tests every six-hour shift, is so efficient that patients rarely even have to wait in line. 

It’s been that way since August.

Here’s a clip of my interview with Lynn. She describes the early days of testing and how things changed soon after the Whatcom County Council approved her recommendation to add the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Portal to the county’s collection, processing, and reporting workflow.

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To learn more about this successful testing site and how other government agencies can follow the Whatcom County example, continue reading our executive summary (below) or click on the link to access the insightful case study in its entirety. 

How the Whatcom County Health Department Became a Model of Efficiency Amid a Pandemic

Executive Summary: In Lynden, Washington, the Whatcom County Health Department transformed its drive-through COVID-19 testing site into a model of efficiency. 

Located at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, the site, supervised by Lynn Pittsinger, operates with no lines, testing up to 630 patients in six-hour shifts. This achievement stems from a well-coordinated team, a robust partnership with Northwest Laboratory, and the TestDirectly Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing and Patient Engagement Portal.

When the site launched in July 2020, it relied on a manual, paper-based system. Long lines and three-hour waits were common. Recognizing the need for improvement, Pittsinger implemented TestDirectly and TestDirectly.com, enabling patients to pre-register and schedule appointments online. The TestDirectly system streamlined workflows, reduced staffing needs, and provided real-time data tracking, allowing rapid adjustments to meet testing demands.

By August 2020, the site was running seamlessly, inspiring nearby counties to adopt similar systems. Pittsinger’s team also initiated mobile outbreak testing for vulnerable populations, further showcasing the flexibility and scalability of TestDirectly.

With fast turnaround times, real-time reporting, and patient-first efficiency, the Whatcom County site has become a blueprint for other communities. Pittsinger credits the success to strong partnerships and her team’s dedication to ensuring that no one has to wait hours for critical testing.

Editor’s Note: For more details and quotes from Lynn Pittsinger, you can access the entire case study by clicking on the following link. 

Case Study: A Testing Site Without Lines: How the Whatcom County Health Department Became a Model of Efficiency

TestDirectly: Revolutionizing Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing

TestDirectly is a powerful and versatile direct-to-consumer lab testing web portal that simplifies diagnostic testing workflows for medical laboratories and urgent care centers. 

Developed by LigoLab Information Systems, this innovative diagnostic lab software tool streamlines the patient experience, eliminates traditional barriers such as paper forms and reporting delays, and empowers laboratories to offer a wide range of diagnostic services directly to patients.

As part of the all-in-one LigoLab medical LIS & lab RCM Laboratory Informatics Platform, TestDirectly supports seamless integration with laboratory information systems and lab revenue cycle management systems, enabling labs to grow their capabilities and enhance their brands. 

Learn More: The Best Laboratory Information System Companies and the Advantages They Offer to Their Laboratory Clients

Since its launch in 2020, TestDirectly has transformed patient experiences and accelerated test turnaround times, making it a trusted solution for millions of satisfied users.

Comprehensive Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing

TestDirectly supports diverse diagnostic testing scenarios, from COVID-19 and genetic testing to travel screening and surveillance programs. It simplifies workflows for both providers and patients, offering options such as drive-through, walk-up, concierge, home test kits, and organizational testing. Patients can easily register, schedule tests, and receive results through email, SMS, or a secure portal.

“TestDirectly serves as a platform for unified and enhanced laboratory services,” said Suren Avunjian, CEO of LigoLab. “It enables labs to grow while delivering streamlined experiences for patients.”

TestDirectly Key Features and Benefits

Improved Patient Access:

Patients can securely access their lab results in multiple ways:

• Pre-Existing Accounts: Log in to view results.
• New Accounts: Create an account using registration details.
• Direct Access: Use a unique URL with an access key for instant results.

Streamlined Workflows:

TestDirectly eliminates manual processes by enabling self-registration, electronic order management, and automated result reporting. Its flexible workflows adapt to various testing scenarios, ensuring efficient specimen collection, processing, and reporting.

Customized Testing Scenarios:

• Drive-Through and Walk-up Testing: Patients pre-register or use QR codes to start workflows, minimizing wait times and maximizing throughput.
• Concierge Testing: Medical professionals visit residences for specimen collection, offering a personalized experience.
• Organizational Testing: Schools, businesses, and government agencies can manage testing programs with robust administrative controls and batch reporting.
• Home Test Kits: Patients receive kits, register online, and then send the specimens to the lab for processing.

Specialized Applications:

• Travel Testing: Integrated with the SMART Health Card Framework, TestDirectly provides digital proof of vaccination or negative test results for travel.
• Pooled Surveillance Testing: Efficiently assesses the health of large groups by combining samples and reflex testing as needed.
• Vaccination Management: Supports appointment scheduling, inventory tracking, and follow-up notifications for multi-dose vaccines.

TestDirectly: Supporting Laboratories and Communities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TestDirectly played a critical role in scaling testing operations and improving patient outcomes. Its ability to adapt to evolving needs ensures continued success in laboratory operations. Whether managing school district programs, organizational testing, or direct patient interactions, TestDirectly empowers labs to thrive.

TestDirectly Webinar: Expand Services and Boost Revenue

Discover how TestDirectly can help your lab unlock new revenue streams and enhance patient care. 

Click below and join Jenny Bull (COO, Avero Diagnostics) and Adam Carlin (Product Manager, TestDirectly) in an insightful webinar showcasing direct-to-consumer lab testing workflows and trends shaping the future of diagnostics.

On-Demand Webinar: Learn How to Expand Your Lab’s Services and Add Revenue with Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing‍