Dynamic DNA to test for COVID-19

Dynamic DNA Laboratories LLC is working with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and local hospitals to provide additional testing capacity for COVID-19.

The Springfield biomedical and genetic testing firm is distributing 4,000 available test kits and plans to begin analyzing them on Wednesday, with planned same-day results, according to a news release. Officials say another 4,000 test kits have been ordered. The tests will be made available to patients at Citizens Memorial Hospital, CoxHealth, Jordan Valley Community Health Center and Mercy.

"We want to utilize our equipment and expertise to help, because we can,” Dynamic DNA founder and CEO Austin O’Reilly said in the release. “It’s our duty to step up, help identify positive cases and reduce further spread. We can provide this service very quickly and at high capacity."

Health Department spokeswoman Kathryn Wall said Dynamic DNA is the first Springfield-based lab to conduct tests, noting LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics have done testing in Greene County. LabCorp, Quest and the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory have performed roughly 745 tests in Greene County so far, she said. Springfield Business Journal previously reported local testing is being covered for free via insurance.

In partnership with the Health Department, Dynamic DNA is being reimbursed through the Missouri Foundation for Health. An emergency use authorization is slated to be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, per clinical testing requirements, according to the release. O’Reilly said via email the MFH provided $25,000 to Dynamic DNA.

Dynamic DNA operates in 2,000 square feet in Farmers Park.