Madison Ehlers and her grandfather sat drumming their fingers at the local lab waiting for a routine test. Ehlers knew labs were backed up with COVID-19, but the wait became interminable and unacceptable.

So she did something about it.

“My grandpa and I decided to become business partners and open up our lab,” said Ehlers, now part-owner of Illinois Valley AccuLabs.

Ehlers and her family opened a space at 2011 Rock St. (next to Dr. Kettner) and now provide walk-in and scheduled laboratory services including pregnancy tests and employer-mandated drug screenings.

Though open since Feb. 7, Illinois Valley AccuLabs provides dozens of tests with reduced wait times and generally reduced times for results.

“Most of our test results come back in 1-2 days,” said Brandi Dose, marketing director for Illinois Valley AccuLabs. “Anything more specific would take a little longer.”'

Illinois Valley AccuLabs can test for COVID-19, flu, strep and STDs, among numerous others. The staff has a combined 30 years experience in healthcare and plans to offer additional tests in the near future. A complete listing of available tests can be viewed at visitacculabs.com, but Ehlers encouraged clients to inquire about tests not listed on the website.

“Anything a doctor can order we can also order through Lab Corp. and send out,” Ehlers said.

Call Illinois Valley AccuLabs at 815-780-8134 or 815-326-3772. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.