COVID-19

---

As the state of Illinois begins to slowly open back up, the reality is we will return to our regular lives. But one question remains — how widespread is covid-19?

This testing we are offering for patients and their family and friends is part of a statewide effort to gather data on how many may have already had this virus or have been exposed to the virus. What this test is NOT is for those people who have symptoms right now, as there are many testing sites around the state to test for active illness. 

Our office is pleased to be partnering with Quest Diagnostics Lab to determine the reach of Covid-19. 

Starting immediately, the COVID-19 IgG antibody test will be available to all of our patients, their families and friends at Quest Diagnostics Lab. You do not have to be a patient at our office to be tested, but you must call our office to pre-order and pay for your test.

The COVID-19 IgG antibody test will determine if you have had significant enough exposure to develop antibodies, including if you have been sick with coronavirus anywhere from 2 weeks to 6+ months ago. Antibody testing is not intended for use in individuals with an active COVID-19 infection, including individuals with symptoms. Patients suspected of having or confirmed to have active COVID-19 infection or disease may not visit Quest patient service centers, which are not equipped to collect the necessary respiratory specimens for molecular COVID-19 diagnostic testing.

The antibody test results help scientists understand the actual spread of COVID-19 in communities throughout Illinois, allowing leaders to make better informed decisions.

HOW DO I GET TESTED?
Call our office at (309) 789-8057 to order, pay for and receive instructions for your test.
The test is only for those 18 and older. 
Patients will be directed to Quest Lab for the test, which does not involve fasting. This test does involve a blood draw.

WHEN WILL I GET RESULTS?
Results are expected within 2-4 days of testing. You will be notified of your results through mail from our office. Quest Diagnostics Labs will also provide results through their online patient results section.

WHAT IS THE COST?
Cost for this testing is $135. Insurance will not be billed. Medicare and Medicaid are NOT allowed. Additional testing for vitamin D and zinc levels are only $25 each for those who are having the antibody lab.  

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
    • Positive testing indicates that a person has formed antibodies to this virus, but it is not yet known if these antibodies will be protective against reinfection in the future. This will likely not be known until any second rounds of the virus re-emerge in the fall or winter.
    • We are also offering tests for Vitamin D and zinc, two nutrients that are integral to immune system health. These will be available to add on for $25 each. Along with your test results, patients will receive dosing guidelines for zinc and vitamin D. Non-patients will NOT get these dosing recommendations. 
    • This test is NOT APPROPRIATE for those individuals who are currently experiencing symptoms of fever, cough or other signs of illness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, PLEASE visit the Interstate Center in Bloomington.

Please call the office if you have any questions. We feel blessed to offer this testing to you.

Disclaimers from Quest Diagnostics: 

The IgG antibody serology test has not been reviewed by the FDA. 
Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals. 
Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status. 
Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.

The test is intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. Results are for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are generally detectable in blood several days after initial infection, although the duration of time antibodies are present post-infection is not well characterized. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity. Individuals may have detectable virus present for several weeks following having IgG antibodies. Negative results do not rule out acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. If acute infection is suspected, testing with a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR is necessary. The test should not be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. False positive results for the test may occur due to cross-reactivity from pre-existing antibodies or other possible causes. This test has not been reviewed by the FDA.

Positive results do not rule out bacterial infection or co-infection with other viruses. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of disease. Negative results do not preclude SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions. Negative results must be combined with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information.

Image credit: Freepik