WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue University will soon start conducting COVID-19 tests on humans.
The Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine is working with Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health on the tests.
“The College of Veterinary Medicine has a long history of providing services to protect animal and human health,” said Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Providing COVID-19 testing is yet another way to support the citizens of Indiana during this unprecedented public health crisis.”
Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, said the samples are being tested using a Polymerase Chain Reaction testing method that the ADDL uses regularly for animal specimens. The team has adjusted its procedures to gain the certification to use the PCR testing capability on human specimens.
