COVID-19 Antibody Test Now Offered at North Memorial Health
North Memorial Health Now Offer COVID-19 Antibody Tests
A local health care provider is now offering a COVID-19 test that will let people know whether they’ve been exposed to the virus, or whether they have an antibody response to it.
“Some people find it’s peace of mind to know that they have an antibody response even though they know it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re immune, but it’s reassuring that you’ve mounted an antibody,” said Dr. Carolyn Ogland, chief medical officer at North Memorial Health.
North Memorial Health began offering a serology antibody test directly to consumers a few weeks ago. It’s done through a simple blood draw.
North Memorial Health offers the COVID-19 serology antibody test in the Robbinsdale Medical Building Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A positive test is presumed to mean that a person has been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 at some point in the past and has antibodies against the virus.
It’s an important step for people interested in donating convalescent blood plasma, which is used to help treat people who currently have COVID-19.
Meanwhile, North Memorial officials want to stress that even if the test shows you have antibodies, it doesn’t infer immunity to COVID-19.
“Taking the test does not preclude you from not wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands frequently, and keeping your immunizations up to date,” Dr. Ogland said. “All of those things should be in play.”
North Memorial offers the serology antibody test at the Robbinsdale Medical Building and at the Maple Grove Medical Center. The cost of the test is $53.
For more information on how to schedule an appointment, you can go to the North Memorial Health website.
