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Grand County approves on-site STI testing device to speed results to 30 minutes
Summary
The county approved a Binks Health point-of-care testing device for chlamydia and gonorrhea, funded by a Caring for Colorado grant plus a private $25,000 donation; kits are estimated at $4,800–$5,300 per year and the board authorized the chair to sign the purchase agreement.
Grand County commissioners on Feb. 3 authorized a purchase agreement with Binks Health to install an on-site point-of-care testing device for sexually transmitted infections at the county public-health clinic.
Abby Baker, Grand County public-health director, told the board the device provides results in about 30 minutes and would reduce waiting times that can delay treatment for those testing positive. "So it's a 30 minute," Baker said, describing the benefit of immediate results for patient care and partner treatment.
Baker said the device purchase is covered by a Caring for Colorado grant and the department recently received an additional $25,000 private donation to offset costs for test kits and calibration. She estimated annual kit costs at roughly $4,800 to $5,300 depending on testing volume.
Commissioners asked whether services would be available to nonresidents; Baker said seasonal workers and nonresident patients can use the service. On a voice vote commissioners approved the purchase agreement and authorized the chair to sign the necessary documents.
Baker also updated the board on a separate equipment issue: the clinic's Cummins generator failed a weekly test. Troubleshooting revealed gelled dye in the fuel that may affect injectors. Best-case cleanup could cost about $4,000–$5,000; worst-case repairs might approach $16,500. Staff said Cummins will perform diagnostics to see whether warranty repairs apply.
Next steps: public-health staff will finalize the Binks purchase paperwork, begin device setup with grant partners and report back with implementation timelines and grant reporting requirements.
