Grand County approves point-of-care STI testing device, funded by grant and donation

The Grand County Board of County Commissioners authorized a purchase agreement Feb. 3 for a point-of-care testing device that public health officials say will shorten sexually transmitted infection (STI) test turnaround times from days to minutes.

"It's a 30-minute" test, said Abby Baker, public health director, describing the device and its faster results compared with sending samples to the state lab or Quest. Baker said quicker results will allow patients to receive treatment during the same visit and reduce the chance of ongoing transmission.

Baker told the board kit and calibration expenses are expected to be roughly $4,800 to $5,300 per year depending on use. She said the purchase is covered by a Caring for Colorado grant and a recent $25,000 private donation earmarked to offset test-kit costs. The director said the device is more expensive per-test than current processes but is justified by the faster clinical turnaround.

After Baker's presentation, Commissioner (Speaker 3) moved to approve the purchase agreement with Binks and to authorize the chair to sign applicable documents. The motion passed by voice vote.

Baker also updated the board on an unrelated public-health equipment issue: the main office generator failed a weekly test and may need repairs if manufacturer warranty coverage does not apply. She said worst-case repair estimates could reach about $16,500 but that preliminary diagnostics may show a much lower cleanup-and-filter-replacement cost.

The board's action authorizes staff to finalize the Binks agreement and proceed with procurement and implementation; Baker said the county will continue outreach so residents and seasonal employees know about the available testing services.