A Madison pharmaceutical company has developed a rapid testing system for the virus that causes COVID-19 and pathogens that cause gastrointestinal distress.

GoDx is awaiting FDA approval for its system, which requires no laboratories and can be housed in a van.

Drs. Chang Kim and Sarah Kim described the system at the Waunakee Rotary meeting Aug. 6. They noted that because current samples are sent to laboratories for diagnostic tests, there is a long wait time. The process is also expensive.

Several years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, GoDx began developing a low-cost test for gastrointestinal pathogens like salmonella and e-coli. Chang said the paper strip tests do not require large laboratory equipment and are similar to home pregnancy tests. Sarah, who is a pharmacist, said she is excited about the mobile testing lab, which can offer traveling tests. It is currently located at the University Research Park.

She said when traveling internationally, the guidance regarding testing is confusing. The mobile testing will provide accurate, rapid results for those who need to be tested.

Cheng and the rest of the partners worked for decades on the diagnostic testing, and it should be certified for use in September.

 

Other news:

 

-The Betty Lou Cruise will be Sept. 26 from noon-3 p.m. The cost is $45.

-Live from the Park will feature polka music to preview Wauktoberfest. Rotarians are asked to attend. Music starts at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Village Park.

-A team of Rotarians will grill brats and hot dogs for the National Night Out from 2-5 p.m. Aug. 11.

 

Guests: None

Visiting Rotarians: None.

 

Birthdays: Aug. 12, Scott Cochems; Aug. 13, Kathy Cefalu; Aug. 13, Chris Zellner; Aug. 14, William Erickson; Aug. 16. Nicholas Petrulis; Aug. 17, Andrew Hovde.

 

Anniversaries: Aug. 13, Danny and Yvonne Paul; Aug. 13, Chris and Amie Zellner; Aug. 14, Randy and Amy Guttenberg; Aug. 16, Kevin and Kathy Kearney.

 

Greeters: Aug. 12, Richard Harris and David Hogg; Aug. 19, Lisa Humenik and Jim Kattner; Aug. 26, Kevin Kearney and David Kennedy; Sept. 2, Tom Kennedy and Bill Kennedy.