If this type of testing had been available 3 months ago, the coronavirus situation would have been vastly easier to track. Nonetheless, thanks to USBiotek, we have excellent test kits coming in this week to track exposure and immunity to coronavirus. A Stanford research study is suggesting that many Californians may already have a natural immunity developed by previous exposure, and the antibody test is the only way to determine this.

We are using the Coronavirus kits from USBiotek Labs for IgG and IgM antibodies. The kits will require a blood draw which can be done at any laboratory, and turnaround time is 2-3 days once they have the sample. The antibody test is superior to the throat swab tests, because it will show if natural immunity has developed after exposure to the virus, and will also detect the virus beyond the upper airways. The throat swab test that is currently in use only detects active virus in the airways, and is dependent on a good collection technique. The throat swab test will not show if one has been exposed and has developed natural immunity.

For more information, we have added a COVID section to the website. Stay tuned for more details.