Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas now offers COVID-19 antibody testing through QUEST Laboratories, according to Robert Poole, Communication and Marketing Director, in a press release.
Antibody testing is useful for research and specific virus investigations or epidemiologic studies. CHC/SEK shares testing results with its state and federal partners, according to the press release.
Put simply, the body makes antibodies to fend off germs and other harmful substances. And this process is part of the body’s immune response, according to dictionary.com.
The antibody test requires a physician’s order and looks for antibodies in persons who may have had, and have recovered from COVID-19, according to the press release.
Individuals wanting this antibody testing should discuss their concerns and what their results might mean with their doctor.
Laboratory orders can be accepted from physicians outside of the organization for this test, for example, a college student might have a primary care physician in another city.
COVID-19 antibody tests require a blood draw.
Testing is available at either the CHC/SEK Walk in-In Care, 1624 S. National, or the medical clinic at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
A positive result does not guarantee immunity from the virus. Whether you test positive or negative, you should still take preventative measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.
The cost of the COVID-19 antibody testing is being covered by the federal government, however, patients may incur an office visit fee depending on their insurance and income status.
Other points from the press release:
- The science of COVID-19 testing is evolving, and test accuracy is not perfect. However, testing for antibodies can help identify people who have likely been exposed to the COVID-19 and have mounted an immune response to the virus.
- The timing of the test is important. It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks after someone becomes infected with COVID-19 for their body to make antibodies; some people may take longer to develop antibodies.
- It is unknown if people with antibodies have immunity and are protected from becoming sick with COVID-19 again. It is also not known how long those antibodies will last.
- Antibody tests are not used to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19. To see if you have a current infection, you need a viral test that checks respiratory samples, such as a swab from inside your nose.
- Whether you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you should still take preventative measures to protect yourself and others from the virus.
The CHC/SEK locations in Fort Scott
Walk-in Care, 1624 S. National Ave.:
Monday-Sunday: 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Phone Number: (620)223-8428
Fax Number: (620)223-5011
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Fort Scott Medical Clinic, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd.:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Phone Number: (620)223-8040
Fax Number: (620)223-8002
Pharmacy at the medical clinic:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-6:30 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am-12:30 pm