Lima Memorial Health System, in partnership with Ohio Northern University, announced this week that it is offering antibody testing for COVID-19 (SARS Coronavirus 2 IgG Antibody testing).

This testing capability is the next fundamental step in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The first critical step was announced in April as Lima Memorial partnered with Ohio Northern University to offer same-day COVID-19 testing through the highly reliable PCR molecular testing platform.

The COVID-19 antibody testing is used to identify the presence of an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Test results can be useful in tracking the spread of this infectious disease.

Further, those who have the antibodies in their blood can choose to donate their plasma through the American Red Cross Plasma Donation Program as part of an experimental COVID-19 treatment for the critically ill.

The test is only recommended for individuals who are at least 10 days post-symptom onset or have had exposure to individuals with confirmed COVID-19. It does not diagnose active or recent infection.

This test was developed by Mayo Medical Laboratories and yields a high specificity to the IgG neutralizing antibody to SARS-CoV-2. Because this is a novel virus, there is no definite proof that the presence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 guarantees immunity to subsequent infection by this virus in humans.

Whatever the result, individuals should continue to follow public health guidance for physical distancing and other precautionary measures during the pandemic.

This test is covered by most insurances with a physician’s order and is available at the Lima Memorial Outpatient Laboratory, 1001 Bellefontaine Avenue, Lima, OH 45804.

The antibody test is also available without a physician’s order for those who have no past medical history of COVID-19 symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath or fever.

The self-pay cost is $97, payable with a credit or debit card. This self-directed antibody testing is available only at Lincoln Medical Center, 1251 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 4, Wapakoneta, OH 45895.