Serology Tests Now Offered at TLC
Serology Tests Now Offered at TLC
Covid-19 causes a variety of symptoms. Because it is difficult to get testing many people had symptoms that were suspicious for Covid-19 but stayed home and did not get tested. We are now offering serology blood tests to see who previously had the virus. If you currently have no symptoms, you can come to the office for the blood test. People are still getting sick with the virus, so it is useful to know who already has antibodies. People with antibodies can potentially donate convalescent plasma to those who are ill through Children’s Hospital Colorado and Vitalant. There may be other plasma donation centers that are collecting plasma, call ahead to check. You are eligible to donate if you have had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19 and have been symptom-free for 14 days. Check with the plasma donation program to see more eligibility requirements.
We think antibodies to the illness would indicate a decreased risk of severe recurrent disease. We do not know yet if people who had the virus can get it again, so it is important to still be careful. Everyone should follow the social distancing guidelines of their county and state. If you are currently ill, you should have a different test, a molecular diagnostic swab test. Please let us know in advance if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath so we can do a swab test. We are doing that test outside in your car to avoid bringing the virus into our office.
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Hi Dr. Hopp. Hope you and your family are all safe and well.
Thanks!
My husband had it but has not been tested. He has been well for 2 weeks. Can he be tested?
Yes. Call our office to get scheduled. Thanks.
I was tested I didn’t have it, I don’t have it and don’t have the antibodies. Just wanted you to know. Tested April 8th
How much is this test?
The situation for most is that insurance will cover the cost of the actual test, but TLC does have a charge for the blood draw and review of results. Each situation is different depending on your insurance, call the office for more information. Note that most insurance companies have agreed to cover Covid related testing. However, not all insurance companies have set things up correctly yet so that this can happen. Also, many self-insured employers have not agreed to cover Covid testing.
My husband and I may be interested in getting tested. We dont have any fever or other symptoms at this time. How do we go about getting tested for the antibodies? Do we need appointments?
Call our office to schedule an appointment. Thanks.
What is the cost?
The situation for most is that insurance will cover the cost of the actual test, but TLC does have a charge for the blood draw and review of results. Each situation is different depending on your insurance, call the office for more information. Note that most insurance companies have agreed to cover Covid related testing. However, not all insurance companies have set things up correctly yet so that this can happen. Also, many self-insured employers have not agreed to cover Covid testing.
What is the cost? For either test, but especially for the antibody test.
See the answers above. Thanks.
Is the test administered by a finger prick or by a Venipuncture draw?
The serology tests require a venipuncture blood draw.
Do you need to be a patient of this office to get tested?
When are the testing dates?
I want to call my insurance company
Testing is during normal office hours. Call our office to schedule.
What is TLC’s charge for the blood draw and the review for the serology testing?
Do you have to be a current client/patient of the TLC clinic?
No. We are happy to test anyone who is interested.
How quickly can I schedule a serology test? Also, I’m almost certain my son had COVID-19, and probably why I got sick. My symptoms were relatively mild, I had a really sore throat, and unexplained body shakes, but no fever. My son, on the other hand, was very ill, and even considered going to the hospital, but started feeling better after 3 days, he did have a dry cough for 2 weeks. This was at the beginning of February.
We should be able to get you scheduled within a day or two. Call our office to schedule.
I have an app that on in may can I get the antibodies test then?
Yes. Let us know when you arrive for your appointment that you want to get tested.
I keep hearing conflicting opinions on antibody tests regarding accuracy. Would you comment on that please? If the test shows antibodies, will one be certified to donate plasma, or will one be tested again pre donation?
Regarding antibody testing, if you have been previously diagnosed with or exposed to other types of coronaviruses, there is a possibility of a false positive. If you were recently exposed and have not built up enough anti-bodies, you may get a false negative. For plasma donation eligibility, check with a plasma donation site. The serology test will confirm if you would be a candidate, but the plasma center sets the qualification criteria.