Orange County’s Cornerstone Family Healthcare is now offering free antibody IgG testing for COVID-19. This service is available to anyone who fits the testing criteria whether a patient of Cornerstone or not.
This is not a test for an active COVID-19 infection. “It's important to know that since this is new virus, we do not know yet if having antibodies to the virus can protect someone from getting infected with the virus again, or how long that protection might last,” said Dr. Avi Silber, Chief Medical Officer of Cornerstone. “In the meantime, this is the best test we can do to indicate some sort of immunity. People are encouraged to continue to follow social distancing guidelines, regardless of their results.”
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and it has been at least 21 days since you were first showing symptoms, this test may be able to detect the presence of antibodies indicating an immune response after COVID-19 infection.
The test is run on a small blood sample, which is sent to a lab to be processed. Positive results signify that antibodies are present, but protective immunity based on these results has yet to be established in clinical trials.
The following people should receive the antibody test:
· Anyone who has had a positive COVID-19 test at least 21 days ago and may be interested in donating plasma.
· Essential and front line workers.
· Employees who need a test to return to work.
· Anyone who had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in the past three months, but did not get tested
If you are interested in receiving an antibody test, call Cornerstone at 845-563-8000. Each test requires a quick telemedicine visit with one of our medical providers, then you will be redirected to have your blood drawn at an appropriate site.
Cornerstone's first priority will always be the health and safety of our community. Do not let fear of potential exposure to COVID-19 prevent you from seeking care when it is needed. We have put policies into place to make sure visits are as safe as possible for our patients, employees and the community.
For more information, visit www.CornerstoneFamilyHealthcare.org