LANSING, Mich. — Sparrow Health System, a nationwide leader with some of the most advanced COVID-19 testing in the country, is making antibody testing available to the general public.
Antibody testing is now available at Sparrow Laboratory Service Centers. (See attached list of sites, although note that the MAC and Medical Arts Building blood draw sites will soon be closing.) The antibody test used by Sparrow is approved by the FDA and has been validated.
Antibody testing is a blood test that detects if you have developed antibodies to the COVID-19 virus. The test does not check for the actual virus but recognizes if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past. Insurance is accepted. The cost is $50 for those without insurance.
Results will be sent to the MySparrow patient portal. If you have not signed up for MySparrow, contact Sparrow Laboratories at 517.371.9500 for assistance. Sparrow Laboratories operates 24/7 but the turnaround time for results will depend on demand. If demand is normal, results will be available within 72 hours.
A positive antibody test indicates that you were likely exposed to COVID-19, and your immune system responded to that exposure at some time in the past. We do not know if antibodies that result from COVID-19 exposure or infection can protect someone from reinfection. Regardless of the results of the antibody test, everyone should continue to protect themselves by social distancing, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and frequently washing their hands.
Diagnostic testing (nasal swab) is available and recommended for anyone who is experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. If you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms contact your physician or be screened by calling Sparrow’s COVID-19 Hotline at 877.205.1300.
Sparrow recently expanded access to COVID-19 nasal swab testing for the general public, including essential employees in order to protect co-workers and customers.
Sparrow also offers COVID-19 testing to employers who contract with Sparrow Occupational Health. Those workers may include employees returning to work at grocery stores, gas stations,
pharmacies and newly reopened big box stores. Contact your employer to get tested. Employers wanting more information can contact Sparrow Occupational Health at 517.364.3900.
Sparrow is responding to a vital community need because as employees return to work and the stay-at-home order expires, there will be at a higher risk of exposure. Sparrow is committed to making the community safer.
Check out other Health related articles in our Yes to Healthy Living section of our website.
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