SpectraCell Laboratories is now offering a blood test that detects
antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19. SpectraCell is a CLIA-certified lab and has extensive experience in
conducting antibody tests with equipment and personnel already in place. The Houston laboratory has joined the network of private labs to ramp up testing in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"Our main focus is to slow the spread of this virus. Until a vaccine is ready, the best we can do is test as many people as possible," states Dr. Jonathan Stein, Chief Scientific Officer at SpectraCell Laboratories, "Knowing if you have developed immunity can alleviate some of the fear this pandemic brings, and we have an obligation to help the community do just that."
The antibody test will measure two antibodies - called IgM and IgG - that are typically present in a person who has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 (called SARS-CoV2). Even if that person did not show any symptoms, or had mild symptoms, they will usually have
antibodies to the virus in their blood. If they do have antibodies, it has two major implications:
(1) they likely are immune to getting the virus again and
(2) they are probably not
transmitting the virus to others.
People want to know if they have already had the virus, and antibody testing can help determine that. Currently, the COVID-19 antibody test is only being offered to the Houston metropolitan area. It requires each person to physically have their blood drawn on site at the Houston laboratory which is located at 6030 North Course Drive in Houston, Texas 77072. This COVID-19 antibody test is performed on a blood sample drawn via venipuncture (from the vein) by a qualified phlebotomist at SpectraCell Labs. All necessary precautions for the safety of our staff and the community will be taken.
In an effort to minimize
spreading the virus, each person will enter personal information online prior to the blood draw and results will be e-mail via secure link to the patient within 24-48 hours. The test can be ordered directly by a patient, without a doctor's order, although SpectraCell encourages people to share their results with their primary care physicians.
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