Cabinet Peaks Medical Center recently announced the addition of new equipment to speed up diagnosis times for two common sexually transmitted diseases.

Known as a “binx io,” the instrument allows for a chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnosis in 30 minutes or less. That’s down from the previous wait of 48 to 72 hours, medical center officials said in a press release.

“This instrument is a breakthrough in rapidly and accurately treating STI/STD’s,” said Roger Riddle, laboratory manager at CPMC. “The DNA technology allows our providers to use scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine to treat a horrible disease in an efficient and timely manner. Also, by having clinically proven results, our providers can prescribe antibiotics in an efficient and proper protocol.”

About 20 million people contract a sexually transmitted infection or disease across the country each year, according to medical center officials. More than half of all infections occur within people ages 15 to 24 years old.

Left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases can lead to infertility, complications in pregnancy, cervical cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease as well as additional infections throughout the body.

Officials said the binx io is 99.9 percent accurate in detecting the two illnesses.

“This instrument is a great tool for all of the staff at Cabinet Peaks to help provide modern, cutting edge care using new technology to all of the folks in southern Lincoln County,” Rogers said. “All off the staff at your hospital and your laboratory are so excited to be able to bring the very best medicine possible to you, our patients.”