First Covid-19 walk-thru mobile testing center in Poland opened at the University of Gdańsk

Thanks to the mobile testing center you can undergo walk-thru coronavirus test free of charge, when arriving on foot or using form of transportation other than a car. It is the first such unit in Poland developed for the public to be swabbed for Covid-19 testing. The unit was financed and provided by Olivia Business Centre to the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. The Governor of Pomorskie Voivodeship, Dariusz Drelich financed the necessary machinery and personal protective equipment. Launching the unit was possible thanks to the support given by the Voivodship Unit of the State Sanitary Inspection, Gdańsk Medical University, Gdańsk city council and the permission from the Rector of the University of Gdańsk to locate the unit at the UG campus next to the main arterial road in Gdańsk. 

During the pandemic crisis we search for solutions that allow to test the largest number of potentially infected with Sars-CoV-2. Thanks to the MediMod diagnostic unit specimen collection can take place almost anywhere. The unit was financed and provided by Olivia Business Centre to the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk. The structure of MediMod ensures inside space for several zones and an airlock used for testing, limiting the contact between a technician and a patient to the necessary minimum. The solutions applied ensure safety of medical personnel and patients. MediMod diagnostic unit, designed by VIVIA NEXT company, is a self- sufficient research unit that can be located anywhere since it does not require external utilities. It is equipped with autonomous sanitary facilities and social room. It is also equipped with high-quality mechanical two-zone (underpressure and  overpressure) ventilation system with HEPA filters. The technology used  supports future functionality modifications of the unit, making it multipurpose and future relocation  to the spot in need of testing, making it an eco-friendly construction solution to begin with. The unit was delivered directly from factory with turnkey equipment, meaning it was operational immediately following the installation.

-MediMed allows people without cars, necessary for drive-thru units, to be safely and quickly tested for Covid-19. Diagnostic unit located in the middle of the city answers our calls for efficient organization of diagnostics.  I am truly grateful to Olivia Business Centre, thanks to whom we can use this innovative solution – says Jakub Kraszewski the Executive Director of the University Clinical Center.

-Over 30 thousand tests have been conducted in Pomorskie Voivodeship so far. Every covid-19 diagnostic center gradually improves their testing capabilities but today we have boosted diagnostic capabilities overall. I am glad that finally a specimen collection facility opens for non-motorized people. All five Coivid-19 Diagnostic Centers in Pomorskie region (in Gdynia, two in Gdańsk, in Słupsk and Chojnice) are adequately prepared to collect specimen. Moreover, we invite the inhabitants of neighboring regions, Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships, to get tested at the facilities.– added Dariusz Drelich, the Governor of Pomorskie Viovodeship.

The unit was located at the University of Gdańsk campus at 4 Jana Bażyńskiego street in Gdańsk (close to the entry gate next to the Faculty of Social Sciences). It was opened to patients on 18 May 2020.

First walk-thru testing unit in Poland, located at the University of Gdańsk, is a significant and much-needed initiative that will facilitate Covid-19 diagnostics. University campus in Gdańsk Oliwa is a prime location, next to the main arterial road in Gdańsk, close to public transportation stops and the bike path. It is easily accessible for all patients qualified for testing. From the beginning University of Gdańsk has joined multiple initiatives to prevent the spread of coronavirus. We are happy to be a part of such a significant project – stated Professor Jerzy Piotr Gwizdała, Rector of the University of Gdańsk.

Launching this extraordinary testing unit would not be possible without the support from the Governor of Pomorskie Voivodeship, the Voivodship Unit of the State Sanitary Inspection and Gdańsk Medical University students.

-Voivodship Unit of the State Sanitary Inspection warmly welcomes and supports the initiative to create another mobile reception unit in Gdańsk. Examples of properly run drive-thru units in Gdynia, Gdańsk, Słupsk have proven to accelerate specimen collection for molecular tests and significantly decrease risk of infecting other patients by relieving daily operations of regular hospital emergency departments. Extending the formula to swabbing the unmotorized is another improvement in that regard – explained Tomasz Augustyniak, Director of Voivodship Unit of the State Sanitary Inspection in Gdańsk. – Voivodeship Sanitary Inspector supports process of qualifying  for tests and supervises the molecular tests conducted in Covid-19 laboratories located throughout Pomorskie Voivodeship.

-The walk-thru testing unit is another valuable initiative that has originated thanks to the commitment of staff and students from Gdańsk Medical University, University Clinical Center in Gdańsk and Institute of Marine and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia. This innovative solution is another step to control the epidemy in our region – said professor Marcin Gruchała, rector of GUMed.

University Clinical Center is the coordinator of the whole project, alike testing unit at Energa Arena in Gdańsk. Polish Territorial Defense Forces oversee the safety of the undertaking.

-We have joined forces of the governor, higher education institutions, private business and city of Gdańsk for the best cause. Those two Gdańsk-based initiatives, drive-thru next to the arena and at UG, show that by working together you can achieve more. We are a second region in Poland that tests so much and it shows. Don’t be afraid to sign-up for tests. The more we know about the disease the better for us and our surrounding – concluded Alksandra Dulkiewicz, the Mayor of Gdańsk.

 

Indications to be tested

You should sign up for test if  you have high fever (over 38˚C) and cough, you have lost sense of smell and taste or believe you could have contracted coronavirus. Before getting swabbed  patients are identified with ID including PESEL(national identification) number. The specimen is typically collected by the nasal pharyngeal swab, then delivered to the Voivodship Unit of the State Sanitary Inspection in Gdańsk by a courier. Molecular test are conducted with the use of RT-PCR method. Patient comes back home and is notified by phone about the results.

 

Registration and opening hours

Prior phone registration is required to get tested. Based on the answers provided by the patient medical receptionists qualify them for free tests.

MediMod testing unit at the University of Gdańsk working hours are 1pm – 4pm on weekdays, 10am – 1 pm during weekends and holidays. To register call: 58 727 05 05 (after reaching the helpline you have to input the extension number/ tone dial), 12pm-3pm on weekdays, 9am-12pm during weekends and holidays.

Spokesperson of the University of Gdańsk