The Bako Medical Education Foundation (BMEF), a non-profit organization that seeks to advance diagnostic excellence in the field of podiatry, announced today that it has completed the funding of endowed scholarship commitments to each of four podiatric medical colleges.

BMEF receives funding from BakoDx.

The Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, New York College of Podiatric Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine each received endowed scholarships of $100,000, which were funded to the schools in annual installments over the past four years.

The scholarship funds provide financial assistance and recognition to top students enrolled and/or accepted at the colleges.

“BMEF sponsors institutions that seek to train the podiatric medical community on innovations and best-practices in medical diagnostics,” said Sue MacCormack, Chair of the Bako Medical Education Foundation. “By funding educational opportunities, BMEF hopes to empower the doctors of tomorrow with the knowledge and diagnostic expertise they will need to improve outcomes for patients. We are humbled to play a part in supporting the education eco-system that will enable today’s medical students to succeed in the future.”

For more information, visit www.bmef.org.

ATLANTA — Bako Diagnostics has expanded its molecular test portfolio to meet the U.S. need for the novel coronavirus testing, with results completed in 24 hours. The BakoDx SARS-CoV-2 RNA (COVID-19) test meets Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and will be offered under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization.

The diagnostic laboratory, based in Alpharetta, Ga., began molecular testing for COVID-19 on April 6. BakoDx is able to perform more than 2,000 tests per day, with plans to increase that capacity.

“Our development team has been working diligently to make COVID-19 testing more widely available and with 24 hour turnaround time for results,” said Ted Hull, CEO of BakoDx.

The BakoDx SARS-CoV-2 RNA test was developed based on years of molecular experience and under CDC guidelines. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test has been validated to identify the virus from samples collected via nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal swabs.

“Utilizing nasal swabs to collect potential COVID-19 specimens will allow healthcare providers to oversee a patient collecting their own sample, while preserving personal protective equipment that has seen a major shortage across the country,” said Dr. Wayne L. Bakotic, Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of BakoDx.

Healthcare centers with need for additional COVID-19 testing capacity are asked to contact the lab through its website – bakodx.com.

BakoDx is a biosafety level 2 lab and follows strict personal and environmental hygiene protocols, which have been further strengthened and reinforced with all employees since the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Specimens for COVID-19 testing are not collected at the lab. For anyone who believes they may have contracted the virus, BakoDx urges them to seek medical advice to determine if testing is appropriate.

“We will work closely with state health officials and healthcare facilities needing additional testing for COVID-19, and increase test capacity in response to this public health crisis,” Hull said. “We understand the importance our lab plays in the safety of the public, patients, healthcare providers and our employees.”

If you are a clinician, please call 1-855-422-5628 or visit bakodx.com for more information.