Wisconsin Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Strassman trains to incorporate the Dynamic Testing and Registration Application into the Guard’s ongoing COVID-19 specimen collection operations at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin July 8. Introduction of the digital registration platform has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of public COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
The Dynamics Testing and Registration Application (DTRA), also known as COVID Connect, is a program which provides online registration for citizens prior to being tested for COVID-19.
Wisconsin Air National Guard Master Sgt. Peter Sodini converses with Svea Erlandson from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Office of Preparedness and Emergency Health Care during a Dynamic Testing and Registration Application training session at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin July 8. Introduction of the DTRA digital registration platform into the National Guard’s specimen collection mission has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of public COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
Wisconsin Army National Guard Cpl. Jonathon Hall uses the Dynamic Testing and Registration Application to collect registration information at the Alliant Energy Center COVID-19 specimen collection site in Madison, Wisconsin June 8. Introduction of the DTRA digital registration platform into the National Guard’s specimen collection mission has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of public COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
“The biggest effects are faster testing process, allowing for a higher throughput at the point of collection, data accuracy, and faster result notifications for the individuals being tested,” Simonis said.
Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen activated to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts gather at the Alliant Energy Center specimen collection site in Madison, Wisconsin July 8 for training on the Dynamic Testing and Registration Application. The recent incorporation of the digital registration platform into the Guard's specimen collection mission has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
DTRA was piloted at the Alliant Energy Center testing site in Madison, Wis., early last week. Wisconsin National Guard specimen collection teams at the site were issued iPads and iPhones to scan QR codes in order to link a patient’s information with their collected specimen. In a press release, Gov. Tony Evers stated that as many as 40 percent more tests per hour were completed over two days last week thanks to the DTRA system.
Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen activated to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts gather at the Alliant Energy Center specimen collection site in Madison, Wisconsin July 8 for training on the Dynamic Testing and Registration Application. The recent incorporation of the digital registration platform into the Guard's specimen collection mission has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
The DTRA system has also helped reduce paperwork and errors due to handwriting.
Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen activated to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts gather at the Alliant Energy Center specimen collection site in Madison, Wisconsin July 8 for training on the Dynamic Testing and Registration Application. The recent incorporation of the digital registration platform into the Guard's specimen collection mission has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
Master Sgt. Peter Sodini, an Airman with the 128th Air Refueling Wing, joined the specimen collection mission less than a month ago. He said it’s great to be part of something that helps the community, and he thinks the DTRA system is beneficial for COVID-19 testing.
Wisconsin Army National Guard Spc. Shannon Doyle trains to incorporate the Dynamic Testing and Registration Application into the Guard’s ongoing COVID-19 specimen collection operations at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin July 8. Introduction of the digital registration platform has significantly increased the accuracy and efficiency of public COVID-19 testing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
The DTRA will be used initially at community-based testing sites in Madison and Milwaukee, with expansion into Department of Corrections sites, as well as other community-based testing sites to follow later in July, Simonis said. He added that the long term goal is to use the program at all collection sites supported by the Wisconsin National Guard.
“We are constantly coordinating with DHS to help streamline testing operations that are supported by [the Wisconsin National Guard],” Simonis said. “COVID-19 testing is a very challenging mission that is conducted in a wide variety of environments for a wide variety of individuals. Initiatives like DTRA are instrumental steps forward in standardizing a process that has many variables. Our team will continue to work to develop new processes and systems that aid in that effort.”
Online COVID-19 testing pre-registration can be completed at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/.