Kean Diagnostic Lab Offers New On-Campus Testing

The on-campus laboratory Kean University established to process COVID-19 tests has expanded its services to offer a broader range of low-cost diagnostic and screening tests. 

The Kean Clinical Diagnostics Laboratory (KDL), located in the STEM building, has received state approval to process blood testing for students for conditions such as sickle cell anemia and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

“The laboratory has been transformed into a broad stream clinical diagnostic lab,” said Keith Bostian, Ph.D., Kean’s associate provost for science and technology. “This meets the needs of the University and will eventually open opportunities for outreach to other institutions and individuals who need services.” 

The lab is also beginning urine toxicology screening through a new walk-in service at the Kean Wellness Center, which is open to students and faculty. Walk-in times will be Mondays 7-11 a.m., Wednesdays 1-4 p.m. and Thursdays 4-7 p.m. For more information, contact info@kdldiagnostics.com. 

The Kean Wellness Center, located in Downs Hall, has worked closely with KDL over the past year to develop a streamlined process for processing student lab tests, according to Executive Director Genique Stanislaus, DNP. 

For students who need bloodwork, students will go to Kean Wellness Center, Stanislaus said. Students can schedule appointments via the student health portal, and blood is drawn at the Center. The samples will then be sent to KDL for testing and results.  

Turnaround time for test results will be 24 to 48 hours, said Samip Bhattarai, Ph.D., clinical director of the laboratory.  

In 2024, Kean officials began working to expand the laboratory’s services beyond COVID tests. The lab has developed new diagnostic tools, acquired additional equipment and gained state Department of Health approval.  

Providing access to toxicology screening in particular is helpful for many Kean students, who need regular screenings to do clinical work in hospitals and other medical settings, Bostian said.