Grand Rapids genetic lab pioneers saliva-based COVID-19 tests
Courtesy Arctic Medical Labs
Arctic Medical Labs pioneered an alternative to nasal swab COVID-19 testing in the form of pooled saliva test kits.
The group, based in the American Seating Building in Grand Rapids, has been running COVID-19 tests since last year and has done extensive testing in schools at Godfrey Lee with traditional diagnostic testing for at-risk patients since last fall. The group also has done pooled testing together with the Kent County Health Department.
Arctic Medical Labs was originally established to provide genetic testing for people who suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Dr. Brent Zanke, M.D., director of Arctic Labs, said the group has contributed significant research in that field. Specifically, Arctic Labs discovered vitamins advertised for AMD could actually worsen the condition for patients with a particular genetic background.