Wondering if maybe you have had the COVID-19 virus? Thinking you may have antibodies that may make you immune from future infection?
Chris Friedel announced that his company, the largest testing facility in the state, Friedel, LLC, Billings, has agreed to work in conjunction with Omega Laboratories and Premier BIOTECH to offer a test that will identify antibodies of the virus.
“We are offering and performing testing, at our cost, to help ease the tension and anxiety in our community ,” explained Friedel. “The test isn’t a new product and it would help determine if a person had COVID-19 as it tests for the antibodies.” A test costs $35.
Friedel said that they have received 1000 test kits that can detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in whole blood, serum, and plasma. Test results are available in approximately 10 minutes.
Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or to exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status. Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals.
Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
The antibodies from Covid-19 appear from 1 to 14 days following viral exposure.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. Elderly, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
