Edmond firm helps make COVID testing available

Edmond-based Pharmacy Providers of Oklahoma (PPOk) has partnered with Wheeler Labs, located in OKC, to distribute saliva-based home testing kits across Oklahoma. 

PPOk provides many different services to their network of pharmacies. They are membership owned and not-for-profit with a purpose to “ensure the viability, success, and competitiveness of its participating pharmacies.” PPOk’s offices are at Memorial and Bryant, and they support pharmacies in Edmond, across the state, and nationwide. 

The COVID-19 tests from Wheeler Labs have received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and provide over 98% specificity. The testing kit pairs at-home saliva collection with PCR testing, the latest technology in coronavirus testing.

“This kit makes simple, reliable COVID-19 testing more accessible to Oklahomans who don’t live in a metro area or have easy access to a testing site,” said Dr. Jesse McCool, CEO of Wheeler Labs, which provides the kit. “Providing access in the local pharmacies people know and trust makes critical health information more accessible, which will help slow the spread of this pandemic in our state.”

Customers will be able to purchase the testing kits from a pharmacy then use easy-to-follow instructions to collect a saliva sample at home. Samples will be placed in a pre-paid FedEx overnight package and sent to Wheeler Labs facility for testing. Results typically available within 24 to 48 hours of receipt at the lab. 

Jeff Wallis, vice president of sales and marketing for PPOk, said the company hopes to make COVID testing available to people in smaller communities.

“No matter where in Oklahoma people live, they deserve access to the latest medical technology,” he said. “Making this test available allows independent pharmacies to compete with the big box stores and increases consumer access.”

This partnership allows for easy distribution of Wheeler Lab’s kits through PPOk’s network. Pharmacies can serve their customers with the benefit of a retail testing kit.

All photos provided.