Melissa Memorial Hospital is now offering COVID-19 related IgG antibody testing. The test determines a person’s level of resistance, or immune response, to the COVID-19 virus.
Those wanting the test will need to get an order from a provider before the test.
It’s unclear if those antibodies can provide protection (immunity) against getting infected again. This means that we do not know at this time if antibodies make you immune to the virus.
At this stage, our understanding of immune responses to COVID-19 is limited. However, the primary conclusion that may be safely taken from a positive IgG antibody test is that most individuals with these antibodies have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, at least 8 days and even weeks or months ago.
Antibody testing is not recommended any sooner than 8 days from exposure.
Results of COVID-19 IgG Antibody testing should not be used to diagnose recent COVID-19 infection.
To be tested for the COVID-19 IgG Antibody, please contact your MMH provider at 970-854-2500 to schedule an appointment. The cost is $95 and the results are available 3 -5 days after the specimen is received.
