MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As COVID-19 infections continue to soar across Minnesota and in the Twin Cities, GS Labs has experienced a sustained surge in Minnesotans seeking rapid tests to determine their current infection status.

According to the latest national health statistics, COVID-19 infections in Minnesota are at their highest level in the past year as the Omicron variant sweeps the state.

GS Labs, a leading provider of COVID-19 rapid tests across the United States, last week performed more than 18,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at its eight locations statewide. These tests resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 4,200 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers.

For the week, GS Labs Minnesota tests had a positivity rate of 23.2 percent, up from 18 percent the week before.

Since Thanksgiving in Minnesota, GS Labs has experienced a surge in Minnesotans seeking COVID-19 tests. On a typical week, GS Labs provides more than 20 percent of all the COVID-19 rapid antigen tests performed in Minnesota. The company currently has eight locations in Minnesota, including Shakopee, Eagan, Minnetonka, at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Blaine, Maplewood, Woodbury and Burnsville.

Testing appointments are currently available. Appointments can be made at https://gslabstesting.com/. GS Labs testing sites are open seven days a week and each site can conduct up to 1,000 tests per day.

Results for rapid antigen tests are typically available on the same day, usually in as little as 20 minutes after the completion of the test.

"With the Omicron variant still on the rise and infection numbers continuing to soar, we intend to be there for the communities we serve by doing what we can to increase testing capacity," said Dr. Darin Jackson, GS Labs Medical Director. "Even as home rapid tests are virtually impossible to find, we do have open appointments for those in need of this critical medical information."

Nationally, GS Labs has experienced a testing increase of more than 65 percent between last week and Thanksgiving week. This sustained surge in testing resulted in GS Labs identifying more than 13,000 patients currently positive for COVID-19 – giving them the chance to safely quarantine and avoid spreading the virus to loved ones and co-workers during the holidays. For the week, GS Labs antigen tests had a 26 percent positivity rate nationally, up from 21 percent the previous week.

GS Labs has a publicly listed cash price of $179 for a rapid diagnostic test, though most individuals should expect that their insurance will pay for testing as required by law. GS Labs does not take all insurances. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival.

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SOURCE GS Labs