We are pleased to pass along information about COVID-19 tests available in DeKalb County and your opportunity to help a Northern Illinois University research team validate an innovative new COVID-19 test.
Free drive-through COVID-19 testing will be offered November 16-18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Anderson Hall parking lot on the NIU campus. DeKalb County residents are welcome to join NIU students, faculty and staff for this free testing.
The test is performed with a simple nasal swab administered by a health professional, and results will be communicated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) via phone within 4 to 7 days. Participants should enter from Kishwaukee Drive off Lucinda and exit onto Garden Road. Walk-ups will also be accommodated. This temporary testing is being offered in partnership by the IDPH, DeKalb County Health Department and NIU.
Optional: help validate a new COVID-19 test
Also during the testing event, NIU researchers are asking for people to volunteer for a COVID-19 test being developed under the leadership of Dr. Beth Gaillard, director of the NIU Molecular Analysis Core Laboratory and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The new test involves a simple oral rinse. Participation is optional and will take place immediately following the PCR COVID-19 test administered by the health department. Participants will be handed a test tube filled with bottled water by a volunteer in appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants will gargle the water from the test tube for 30 seconds and then spit it back into the tube, seal the test tube and hand it back to the volunteer. Those who participate in the experimental test will be asked to complete a consent form and provide basic demographic information. Test takers will not receive results of the alternate test since the experimental test is to validate.
Best wishes and stay healthy!
Your Friends at DeKalb County UNITES
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