Minnesota COVID-19 tests sent to New Jersey lab due to weekend processing ‘disruption’

An unexpected "disruption" in sample processing this weekend meant COVID-19 tests typically sent to an Oakdale, Minnesota, lab instead had to be sent to a lab in New Jersey.

According to Vault Health, which collects samples and provides testing support at Minnesota Department of Health community sites, after they’re collected, COVID-19 tests are processed by IBX’s lab location in Oakdale.

However, because of the unexpected disruption in sample processing, tests were instead flown to the IBX lab in New Jersey.

"Patients with impacted tests from Saturday will have results by this (Monday) evening," a Vault Health spokesperson said in a statement. "We have communicated this to patients, along with our apologies for the delay. We know delayed test results can have big impacts on people’s lives."

The spokesperson said that until the problem at the Oakdale lab is resolved, all samples from Minnesota will be flown to New Jersey for processing.

It’s not expected to significantly increase the time needed for results, the spokeswoman said, and the situation is being monitored.