Athena Esoterix has opened its new 3,850-square-foot office and lab space at the Riverfront Medical Center at The Bend, 1247 Riverfront Parkway.
The Athena team is now accepting COVID-19 walk-up appointments in their new office, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon. Patients may choose between an RT-PCR test or antigen test, a new offering, and will always receive same-day results.
Athena also welcomes medical providers, organizations and other programs interested in partnering with the lab to learn more about how Athena can customize plans to fit every need.
Athena, a locally-founded company, was established by Dr. Elizabeth Forrester and Dr. Dawn Richards in the midst of the COVID pandemic to address the immense need for testing resources. The lab specializes in advanced molecular detection and microbial testing, uniquely offering next-generation technologies to the region.
“Having access to a local lab provides the opportunity for improved quality and fast turnaround times, which is an ideal combination in the world of testing and something we believe Chattanooga deserves,” Forrester says. “Being right here in the community allows us to give personal attention to patients, craft customized plans based on the needs of organizations of all sizes and listen to physician needs to give them access to trusted results locally.”
Athena’s office at The Bend more than doubles the amount of space the team had at its previous facility, allowing for a truly dedicated laboratory, as well as an area specifically for patient walk-up testing. Moving into its new home, however, is not where the exciting changes stop for Athena.
“This new space has really given us the key we need to move toward our goal of expanding the services we offer,” Richards says. “We are on the path to broaden our capabilities and enter the realm of next-generation sequencing, which will give us the ability to not only test for COVID and flu, but for 280 other respiratory pathogens, as well as a variety of other panels.”
Noon Development is now pre-leasing office space for the expansion of the Riverfront Medical Center, which includes a 10,300 square-foot extension of the building.
“We are excited to have Athena join our Riverfront Medical Center alongside their new neighbor, the Riverfront Surgery Center,” says Todd Kimling of Noon Development. “Athena has already made a large impact on the Chattanooga community, so we cannot wait to see the amazing work this new space allows them to accomplish.”