Sacramento Area Biotechnology Company Providing Crucial COVID-19 Testing for Organ Donors During Pandemic

FOLSOM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--StemExpress, a Folsom, California headquartered biotechnology company is now providing critical COVID-19 testing capabilities to Sierra Donor Services (SDS), the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) headquartered in Sacramento, CA. Sierra Donor Services serves 2.7 million people in the Sacramento Valley as well as portions of the Gold Country and Sierra Nevada regions of California. Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 testing of organ donors is a crucial step to help ensure the safety and successful transplantation of their lifesaving gifts.

As the pandemic continues, COVID-19 tests remain in high demand. In late May, to make sure Sierra Donor Services could obtain COVID-19 tests and quick results to facilitate donation, the organization secured an agreement with StemExpress to provide this crucial testing.

“With the ability to process 10,000 tests a day, StemExpress is clearing that path for donation and transplantation. We hope this will help ensure lifesaving transplants will be possible for people who cannot wait for the pandemic to end,” said Cate Dyer, Founder and CEO of StemExpress.

At the start of the pandemic crisis, some regions of the country experienced a dramatic decline in transplants due to many COVID-19 related challenges. However, the need for lifesaving transplants remained and the national transplant waiting list is long with approximately 110,000 people on it. Thanks to the dedication and resilience of Sierra Donor Services’ staff, hospital support and the generosity of California donor heroes and their families, donation has significantly increased in the SDS service area this year.

“Sierra Donor Services is excited about our partnership with StemExpress as they provide critical donor testing needed to ensure the safety of the transplant patients receiving the precious donated gifts. Partnering with a community-based organization like StemExpress enhances our ability to honor our donor heroes and their families for their courageous decision to support organ donation and helps us save and heal lives through organ donation,” said Sean Van Slyck Executive Director, Sierra Donor Services.

For more information on StemExpress testing partnerships contact: Matt Phillips at [e-mail] or at [phone].

To schedule an appointment for testing please contact [phone].