First Responder Antibody Testing

May 19th, 2020 | Latest News

On May 7, UMC Lab officially began providing free antibody testing to area first responders—giving them an opportunity to determine if they have been exposed to COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

First Responder Antibody Testing

About the test

Antibody tests are different than molecular tests used to identify if a person is currently infected with COVID-19. Instead, detecting these antibodies helps determine if a person was previously infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. This in turn will help determine what percentage of the healthcare and first responder populations have been exposed to the virus.

While citizens throughout the country have had to stay at home, health care workers and first responders have remained on the frontlines—working around the clock to ensure the health and safety of communities. Antibody testing is just one way we can give back to those who have continued to fervently serve in the midst of the pandemic.

“Early antibody test results for UMC EMS personnel indicate the personal protective equipment worn by our providers has been effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Thomas Moore, Director of UMC EMS. “This would not have been possible without the help of numerous UMC Heroes who donated PPE. We are grateful for and have been inspired by their selflessness.”

UMC employees who have patient contact can also be tested. Call Employee Health at 806.775.9924, Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM, or send an email to Kimberly.Meeks@umchealthsystem.com and request the antibody test. 

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