The FDA-authorized antibody test
detects the presence of the virus
through blood sample and identifies
patients who have been exposed to or
recovered from COVID-19.
"This is the next step in understanding
this virus and providing our communities
with the highest level of testing,"
Dr. Brian Wilbur, Chief Medical Officer
with Exer Urgent Care, told Patch.
People who are interested in receiving
an antibody test must receive a referral
through Exer's VirtualCare portal
or at an Exer clinic, Wilbur said. After
a referral is received, patients will be
directed to visit their local Exer clinic
to proceed with antibody testing and
will receive their results about 24 to 48
hours later.
"For patients experiencing COVID-19
symptoms such as cough, runny nose,
and shortness of breath, a nasal swab
test is still the current gold standard
for diagnosis," Wilbur told Patch. "Nasal
swab tests are available at all Exer
Urgent Care locations with a referral
through Exer's VirtualCare portal or at
an Exer clinic."
For the most effective results, the
antibody testing must be conducted a
minimum of 10 days after infection or
exposure, according to an Exer news
release.
"This helps ensure sensitivity and
produces more accurate results. Results
are received within 24-48 hours
after testing and Exer notifies patients
apprising them of their results and recommends
next steps," according to a
news release.
"With this new antibody testing, we
have the ability to identify people who
have been exposed to
COVID-19 and may not have experienced
associated symptoms," Wilbur
said. "We're taking the next steps in
understanding this virus and providing
our patients with the highest level of
testing in efforts to keep them healthy
and aware."
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