We have been getting many calls regarding testing, especially with the recent news about the new antibody testing available. We currently do not have access to this testing and may not have so for some time. It is our understanding that the supply of tests is very limited, and will be prioritized to the hospital systems and health care providers first.

Along those lines, there is still plenty of debate as to the benefit of antibody testing. There is still plenty that is unknown about this virus, including things like whether or not a person can be infected twice, what is the “level” of antibodies that shows immunity, and whether there is cross-reaction with other coronaviruses. The antibody tests will likely be more helpful in controlled, randomized studies of the population to see what percentage of people have been exposed/infected, rather than on a case-by-case basis. Here is a deeper dive into the details if you would like more information.

If the test becomes more widely available and we are able to offer it in our office, and it seems there will be benefit to our patients to doing so, we will announce the fact along with what criteria are to be used to qualify for testing.