The LCS team recently completed a fast-tracked diagnostic laboratory expansion in Monrovia, California for LetsGetChecked, a leading health insights company. The at-home diagnostic company provides high-quality home-based testing and telehealth services to address many conditions ranging from sexual health to men’s and women’s health to overall wellness. Their business model allows consumers direct access to a wide range of testing options and clinical support from the comfort of your own home.
At the beginning of the pandemic, LetsGetChecked realized they could provide home collection Coronavirus test kits to help reduce the spread of the virus. As cases of COVID-19 soared across the U.S., the demand for testing labs was overwhelming and access to test kits was limited. Lacking test kits and lab testing, these bottlenecks would impact the ability to control the outbreak.
LetsGetChecked engaged LCS to increase their equipment footprint to test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. LCS collaborated with lab users, and design and engineering partners to relocate their equipment and maximize the floorplan for Real-Time qPCR machines for genomic analysis and upsizing the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. The new diagnostic lab features a frameless glass wall and doors creating a “fishbowl” separation between the clean space and office areas. LCS used its self-perform electrical, plumbing, and carpentry crews to keep a close oversight on the schedule. As a result, the LCS team completed the project within LetsGetChecked’s accelerated time frame.
“We are incredibly thankful to LCS for their work in the design, optimization, and buildout of our world class laboratory in Monrovia, California, especially whilst in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of their amazing team’s hard work, LetsGetChecked has been able to provide much needed Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing to people all across the United States. I can’t recommend them highly enough and look forward to our continued partnership.”
Self-Perform Highlight: Electrical
LCS Electrical investigated the total power available to the building and determined there was extra power available on the “house” electrical panel for the large rooftop HVAC units. Our self-perform team was able to reconfigure the electrical panel and install a new feeder to the LetsGetChecked space from the main electrical room. A new electrical room was added with new transformers and electrical panels, and LED lighting upgraded to meet Title-24 compliance.
During the Design-Build project assessment with LetsGetChecked, the LCS team collaborated with its in-house Electrical division to investigate the load requirements for the qPCR testing machines and HVAC system. The LCS team reconfigured the building’s electrical panel and installed a new feeder to power up the machines and HVAC. A new electrical room was added to the scope with new transformers and electrical panels. LED lighting was also installed throughout the building to meet Title-24 energy efficiency standards.
Q+A WITH DR. SUSAN O’SULLIVAN, Director of Clinical Experience
Your mission is to empower people to live longer, happier lives by transforming how people engage with their health. Have you seen the impact in your patient’s lives?
Through our mission, we’re arming our customers with information and access to make informed decisions; this ultimately leads to those living longer, happier lives by making informed decisions through their healthcare results. We see the positive impact every day through calls with customers, and the feedback we receive. For example, we have been the first step for many people in their journey to receiving a colon cancer diagnosis and in many cases, successful treatment. We have also helped diagnose many asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, the diagnosis resulting in the customer stopping the spread by taking steps to self-isolate. We also have many people taking tests as a form of chronic disease monitoring. It’s great to hear that we have saved people from having to go outside of the home to get a blood test. They are delighted to receive results and are equipped with the information they need about their blood sugar, thyroid, or cholesterol levels.
With the surge of the Coronavirus, testing has never been more important. What were some of the challenges and opportunities that LetsGetChecked have seen with the testing, and what measures have your Care Team taken to provide customers insights on their health?
At the beginning of the pandemic, we realized we could provide a COVID-19 test and help people to test themselves in a safe environment at home. Our extensive range of other at-home tests has also played a key role in helping people to test for and monitor chronic conditions from home. The Care Team adapted to working remotely in a very short space of time, and we hired and trained many new team members to meet demand. To support our customers, we keep up with the ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines and our team of nurses are skilled at delivering test results and providing a supportive listening ear when discussing customers’ health concerns.
What is next for LetsGetChecked?
In 2021, we’re looking forward to unveiling even more offerings and tests to our customers, allowing them to truly take their health into their own hands.
