BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Antibody testing is ramping up in Western New York.
It’s a blood test, that tells if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or have been infected with the virus. If your test comes back that you have a high antibody count, you likely had COVID-19.
The next step is to find a testing site.
Wherever you go, you should call ahead and make an appointment. You will indicate if you are there for an antibody test or a COVID-19 test. Doctor’s want to make sure you are not infected with COVID-19 when coming for an antibody test.
The test is a simple blood draw. We sent 7 Eyewitness News reporter Hannah Buehler for the test, and for her, it took less than five minutes.
“It’s a one day test, so your results will come back the next day,” said Terrance Gaiter of Urban Family Practice in Buffalo.
Doctor’s say employers may even begin to require this test when the economy opens back up, to see how widespread this disease has been.
“It doesn’t mean you’re actively infected at all it just means you have been infected in the past,” said Erie County Health Commissioner Gale Burstein.
Burstein also says a positive antibody test does not mean you’re immune, or will be protected in the future.
Dr. Burstein says there are a lot of COVID-19 antibody tests out there that can’t be trusted because they’re not approved by the FDA. That’s why it’s so important to use a lab, or doctor’s office who uses a lab.
