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COVID-19 Antibody Testing is Now Available at ProHEALTH
May 8, 2020 - August 1, 2020
COVID-19 Antibody Testing is Now Available at ProHEALTH
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, ProHEALTH has been on the frontlines to help ensure the health and safety of our community. All 29 ProHEALTH Urgent Care centers across NYC and Long Island have remained open and along with our eight drive-thru and walk-thru testing sites—continue to test patients who may be infected with the coronavirus.
To date, ProHEALTH has tested more than 36,000 New Yorkers and our clinicians and staff remain committed to delivering the highest-quality care and testing available in a safe, convenient environment for you and your family.
As our understanding of this virus grows and new science becomes available, we are prepared to share these developments with our patients and community. ProHEALTH is now offering COVID-19 antibody testing at all ProHEALTH Urgent Care and Physician Practice locations.
What is the Antibody Test?
Until recently, testing for COVID-19 has been conducted with a nasal swab, a diagnostic tool used to determine whether or not someone is currently infected with coronavirus. Antibody testing is different. When someone is infected with a virus, the body reacts by producing antibodies.The COVID-19 antibody test measures the level of coronavirus “IgG” antibodies in the bloodstream. These antibodies appear approximately two weeks after the onset of infection. If there are antibodies present, the person has very likely been infected with COVID-19. This antibody test is most reliable when used more than 14 days after the end of symptoms. As a result, patients are advised to wait until they have been free of symptoms for 2-4 weeks to ensure accurate results.
As we know, not everyone infected with COVID-19 experiences symptoms. For those who may have been infected but not felt sick, it is not possible to time the test with the end of symptoms. As a result, the results are less certain – not showing the antibodies could be because not enough time has gone by since the onset of infection However, the blood test will still reliably detect antibodies if the infection took place more than two weeks prior to testing.
It is important to note that these tests do not prove immunity against the virus, nor do they ensure that someone who had COVID-19 in the past cannot be contagious. Please continue to self-isolate, use social distancing and wear masks in public.
How Can I Get the Antibody Test?
ProHEALTH is offering the antibody test at all Urgent Care Centers and doctor’s offices.
Urgent Care Testing:
To get an antibody test at one of our ProHEALTH Urgent Care locations, you can simply walk in, or book an appointment online.
Testing Through a ProHEALTH Doctor:
If you’re interested in antibody testing, simply call your doctor’s office to set up an appointment. You may visit with your doctor either in-person or virtually, meaning you can speak with the doctor remotely through the phone or video chat from the comfort of your own home. Your doctor will then book an appointment at one of our many conveniently located lab-draw stations and follow-up with you directly when the results are available.
For all antibody testing, there are no co-pays or deductibles. Testing will be billed to your insurance, but you are not responsible for out-of-pocket expenses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been and remains an uncomfortable and painful experience for our community. The relentless strain this pandemic has had on our friends and families is not lost on us as an organization. Through our COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing, we hope to help break the chain of transmission and support the fight against this pandemic.