MSU Health Care Announces Collaboration with NxGen MDx to provide additional on-campus testing for SARS-CoV-2 variants, influenza and RSV

December 14, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


East Lansing, MI, December 13, 2021 — MSU Health Care in collaboration with NxGen MDx is opening a COVID-19 testing site at Spartan Stadium to provide additional high-quality COVID-19 testing, which includes influenza and RSV for pediatric patients, with overnight results. Testing is open to students, the MSU Community and the general public. 

“With the circulation of new strains of COVID-19, increased spread of influenza and the upcoming holiday travel season, the ability of NxGen MDx to provide quality testing, online scheduling and results in a timely manner is vital to the health of our community,” said Kristine Allen, RN, MSN, MHA, Chief Nursing Officer for MSU Health Care.

With an average of more than 7,000 new COVID-19 cases each day in Michigan, MSU Health Care and NxGen find it imperative to provide COVID-19 testing to as many people as possible.¹ By collaborating with MSU Health Care, NxGen is helping the Greater Lansing community stay safe and keep the virus from spreading.

Testing begins Dec. 15 at Spartan Stadium Gate B. This site is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm and closed for lunch between 1:00pm to 1:45pm. Free parking is located in the staff and public spaces in lot 79 located on the South side of the Stadium.

Patients can come to the site without an appointment, but scheduling an appointment is preferred. To make an appointment for COVID-19 testing, please visit https://healthcare.msu.edu/.

In addition to standard COVID-19, flu, and RSV testing options, NxGen also offers a comprehensive Respiratory Pathogens Panel for those who are symptomatic but testing negative for COVID. The Respiratory Pathogens Panel is 10 times more likely to provide an answer for your symptoms than a COVID-19 test alone.

“Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it is imperative to get a PCR test when you are symptomatic or have been exposed, especially before visiting family for the holidays. With spiking COVID-19 cases and the more infectious Omicron variant now in Michigan, this is not the time to be taking COVID-19 lightly,”² said Alan Mack, CEO of NxGen MDx.

At this location, NxGen is offering next day COVID-19 PCR testing as well as a multi-pathogens panel. Under the CARES Act, medically-necessary testing for patients who are symptomatic or have recently been exposed to COVID-19 can receive a 24-hour COVID-19 PCR test with no out-of-pocket cost.

MSU COVID-19 Early Detection Program

Additionally, those within the MSU community have access to free testing through MSU COVID-19 Early Detection Program, a saliva-based PCR test with results in 24-36 hours.  Learn more information about this program at: https://earlydetection.msu.edu/. MSU students and employees who are required to submit weekly testing must continue to use the EDP program.

Additional Community Testing Locations

With rising demand for testing at both Olin Health Center and area testing sites, the new testing center will offer MSU students, faculty, staff and members of the public another option.  Additional testing locations can be found using the state of Michigan’s test location finder.

 

###

MSU Health Care Media Contact:
Melissa Jegla, Manager, Mktg. and Communications (517) 432-3101, jeglamel@msu.edu

NxGen Media Contact:
Doug McIntosh, Senior Director of Marketing (855) 776-9436, dmcintosh@nxgenmdx.com

About NxGen MDx

NxGen MDx, LLC is a leading healthcare company delivering comprehensive genetic testing. NxGen MDx's history of next-generation sequencing combined with advanced technology allows us to provide accessible, high-quality testing options.

About MSU Health Care

MSU Health Care is the fully-integrated academic health center of Michigan State University. MSU Health Care providers treat ongoing primary care as well as some of the rarest forms of cancer and neurological conditions along with advanced surgical, pharmaceutical, rehabilitation, therapy and imaging services. With more than 100 affiliates located nearby and as far as Ludington, Saginaw, Detroit and Marquette, MSU Health Care is building health, hope and healing for Michigan. Our clinical efforts support future advancements through academic and research initiatives at Michigan State University.

References

1: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/michigan-covid-cases.html

2: https://www.freep.com/story/news/health/2021/12/09/omicron-covid-variant-first-michigan-case-detected-kent-county/8889733002/